Optometry Coding & Billing Alert

Tip: Some codes ranges have been expanded to show laterality.

Like many of the current diagnosis code sets, the range of codes describing visual disturbances is set to expand considerably once ICD-10 takes effect on Oct. 1 of this year.

Some of the ICD-9 codes in the 368.xx range (Visual Disturbances) will just get a one-to-one translation in ICD-10. Example: There will remain only one option for describing a diagnosis of double vision (diplopia) – under ICD-9 you would report 368.2, and under ICD-10 you would report H53.2

Other codes have been expanded to show laterality – whether the condition exists in the right eye, left eye, both eyes or an unspecified eye. Example: The single ICD-9 code for strabismic amblyopia (368.01) has been expanded under ICD-10 to a four-code range (H53.031-H53.039).

Here’s a look at how some of the visual disturbances Dx codes will change under ICD-10.

Amblyopia ex anopsia

Subjective visual disturbances

Diplopia (double vision)

Other disorders of binocular vision

There’s more: Look for an examination of the rest of the Visual Disturbances ICD-10 conversion, including visual field defects and color vision deficiencies, in an upcoming issue of Ophthalmology Coding Alert.

Get ready: For more information on the ICD-10 conversion, as well as specific ICD-9 to ICD-10 code bridges, visit https://www.aapc.com/codes/.