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H33.309
ICD-10-CM
Retinal Tear

Understanding Retinal Tear diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment is crucial for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on retinal detachment risks, retinal tear ICD-10 codes, vitreous hemorrhage, posterior vitreous detachment, and other related eye conditions. Learn about retinal tear repair, laser surgery, cryotherapy, and post-operative care for optimal patient outcomes. Explore relevant healthcare guidelines, clinical findings, and coding best practices for retinal tears.

Also known as

Retinal Break
Retinal Hole

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the retina, often caused by posterior vitreous detachment.
  • Clinical Signs : Flashes of light (photopsia), floaters, sometimes blurred vision or visual field loss.
  • Common Settings : Ophthalmology clinic, retina specialist, hospital emergency room.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H33.309 Coding
H33

Retinal detachments and breaks

Covers retinal tears, detachments, and other related breaks.

H43-H45

Glaucoma

Although not the primary cause, retinal tears can be associated with glaucoma.

S05

Injuries to the eye and orbit

Traumatic eye injuries can sometimes cause retinal tears.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the retinal tear traumatic?

  • Yes

    Is there a foreign body?

  • No

    Is it associated with retinal detachment?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Retinal Tear
Retinal Detachment
Vitreous Detachment

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Retinal tear symptoms: flashes, floaters, visual field loss
  • Document retinal tear location, size, shape using clock-hour method
  • Vitreous hemorrhage, pigment in vitreous: document if present
  • Associated findings: lattice degeneration, retinal detachment
  • ICD-10 code H33.1, describe acuity impact if applicable

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding Errors

    Missing or incorrect right/left eye specification for retinal tear diagnosis leading to claim rejections or inaccurate data.

  • Unspecified Tear Type

    Coding with unspecified retinal tear when a more specific type is documented, impacting quality reporting and reimbursement.

  • Traumatic vs. Degenerative

    Failure to distinguish between traumatic and atraumatic/degenerative tears can lead to incorrect coding and statistical analysis.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 H33.1, S00.90XA: Precise coding for retinal tear diagnosis.
  • Document symptoms, exam findings (vitreous hemorrhage, flashes, floaters), and treatment for CDI.
  • Timely follow-up after laser or cryo therapy ensures compliance and optimal patient outcome.
  • Detailed retinal drawings improve medical record clarity and support accurate coding.
  • Consistent documentation of retinal location (superior, inferior) aids CDI and compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Symptom: Sudden flashes, floaters (ICD-10 H33.2)?
  • Peripheral retinal exam done, documented?
  • Consider PVD vs. other causes, specify (SNOMED CT 35728003)?
  • If tear found, describe location, size
  • Urgent ophtho referral if tear confirmed, document

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Retinal Tear Reimbursement: CPT codes 67141, 67145 impact facility revenue. Coding accuracy crucial for maximizing payment.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Retinal Tear diagnosis impacts hospital quality reporting on surgical outcomes and complication rates.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct ICD-10-CM codes H33.1, H33.2 ensure proper reimbursement and risk adjustment.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate documentation of Retinal Tear treatment influences performance benchmarks and value-based care.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code retinal tear location
  • Document symptoms, exam findings
  • ICD-10 H33.2, laterality
  • Consider Ocular Dx codes
  • Document any associated vitreous detachment

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of retinal tear, including flashes of light (photopsia), floaters (myodesopsia), and possibly a shadow or curtain in the visual field.  Onset of symptoms was [Date of onset] and characterized as [Character of onset - sudden, gradual, intermittent].  Visual acuity measured [OD: right eye visual acuity] and [OS: left eye visual acuity].  Intraocular pressure measured [IOP OD] and [IOP OS].  Dilated funduscopic examination revealed a retinal tear located at [Clock hour location] in the [Right eye OD or Left eye OS], measuring approximately [Size of tear] disc diameters.  The tear is characterized as [Type of tear - U shaped, horseshoe, giant retinal tear].  Associated findings include [Vitreous hemorrhage, subretinal fluid, pigment demarcation lines].  Differential diagnoses considered include posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), retinal detachment, and vitreous syneresis.  Diagnosis of retinal tear was made based on clinical findings.  Treatment plan includes close observation versus laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy to seal the retinal break and prevent progression to retinal detachment.  Patient education provided regarding symptoms of retinal detachment, emphasizing the importance of immediate follow-up if symptoms worsen.  Patient scheduled for follow-up examination in [Duration of follow-up - e.g., one week] to assess treatment response and monitor for any signs of retinal detachment.  ICD-10 code H33.1 (Retinal detachments and breaks) and relevant CPT codes for diagnostic ophthalmoscopy and any procedures performed will be documented for medical billing and coding purposes.