Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Eliminate Uncertainty When Deciding ‘Unspecified’ vs. ‘Other’
Published on Tue Dec 20, 2022
Question: Can you explain the difference between H16.8 and H16.9? I often have trouble choosing between “other” and “unspecified” codes. Connecticut Subscriber Answer: Choosing between “unspecified” and “other” codes can be perplexing when you’re trying to pick the most accurate code. This is especially true for keratitis. When the type isn’t specified by the physician, and the information in the medical record is insufficient to assign a more specific code, use H16.9 (Unspecified keratitis). You’ll use H16.8 (Other keratitis) when the specific type of keratitis is identified in the documentation but no other code for it exists.
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