Find comprehensive information on watery eye, including epiphora, excessive tearing, and ocular discharge. Learn about clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (H04.2, H04.20, H04.21, H04.22, H04.23), differential diagnosis, and common causes like blocked tear ducts, allergies, and infections. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis, coding, and treatment of watery eye conditions.
Also known as
Epiphora
Excessive tearing or watering of the eye.
Diseases of the eye and adnexa
Covers various eye conditions, including tearing disorders.
Headache
Watery eyes can be a symptom of headaches, especially cluster headaches.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the watery eye due to excessive lacrimation?
Yes
Is there a specific cause identified?
No
Is it due to insufficient drainage?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Watery eye |
Dry eye disease |
Blocked tear duct |
Coding watery eye without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data reporting. Use specific laterality codes for accurate reimbursement.
Incorrectly coding epiphora (H04.2) as general tearing can impact data analysis and quality reporting. Proper documentation is crucial for accurate coding.
Coding watery eye without documenting the underlying cause (e.g., infection, blockage) may lead to rejected claims. Complete documentation is key for appropriate coding and reimbursement.
Patient presents with epiphora, commonly known as watery eye. The chief complaint is excessive tearing, which may be constant or intermittent. Onset of symptoms is documented, along with any associated symptoms such as ocular discharge, redness, itching, foreign body sensation, pain, photophobia, blurred vision, or double vision. Assessment includes evaluation of tear drainage, including patency of the puncta and canaliculi, and observation for any eyelid malposition such as ectropion or entropion. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is considered in the differential diagnosis. The patient's medical history, including allergies, prior eye surgeries or trauma, and current medications, is reviewed. Examination reveals clear or mucoid discharge. The cause of the epiphora is determined to be [specify cause e.g., reflex tearing due to dry eye, punctal stenosis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, etc.]. Treatment plan includes [specify treatment e.g., artificial tears for dry eye, warm compresses and massage for nasolacrimal duct obstruction, referral to ophthalmology for punctal dilation or dacryocystorhinostomy, etc.]. Patient education provided regarding the condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes. Follow-up appointment scheduled as needed. Coding considerations include ICD-10 code H04.23 (Epiphora) and relevant CPT codes for procedures performed, such as probing of the nasolacrimal duct (68820). Medical billing documentation reflects the complexity of the evaluation and management services provided.