Advanced Search

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Dx for Irritated Pinguecula

Published on Tue Jan 01, 2002

Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for an irritated pinguecula?

Connecticut Subscriber  
Answer: A pinguecula is degenerated conjunctival tissue which may occur on either side of the cornea; it is an anatomical defect that looks like a bump on the conjunctiva. It is the early stage of pterygium. Use 372.51 (conjunctival degenerations and deposits; pinguecula) whether the pinguecula is irritated or not.  
Answers to Reader Questions and You Be the Coder reviewed by Lise Roberts, vice president, Health Care Compliance Strategies, Jericho, N.Y.; and Raequell Duran, president, Practice Solutions, Santa Barbara, Calif.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

View All