Primary Care Coding Alert

Tip: Check whether more detailed diagnoses are more appropriate.

Although ICD-9 currently includes a range of four- and fivedigit diagnosis codes for various types of conjunctivitis, family physicians rely most often on an 'unspecified' diagnosis. Today, you might report such as 372.00 (Acute conjunctivitis, unspecified), 372.10 (Chronic conjunctivitis, unspecified), or 372.30 (Conjunctivitis unspecified). You'll follow a similar structure with ICD-10.

ICD-10 change: The new codes for unspecified conjunctivitis when ICD-10 goes into effect in October 2013 will be H10.3 (Unspecified acute conjunctivitis), H10.40 (Unspecified chronic conjunctivitis), and H10.9 (Unspecified conjunctivitis). H10.3 and H10.40 will require an additional digit to indicate which eye(s) is affected. ICD-10 will still include many other codes related to conjunctivitis, so check your physician's documentation to verify whether a more specific choice is appropriate.

Definition: Conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye) is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children or adults. The condition involves an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be infectious or noninfectious.