Accurate diagnostic coding is crucial in healthcare for precise record-keeping, billing, and data analysis. Within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system, codes like H52.223 play a vital role in classifying specific eye conditions. This article delves into the details of diagnosis code H52.223, focusing on its meaning, application, and clinical context within the realm of regular astigmatism.
Diagnosis code H52.223 specifically refers to Regular astigmatism, bilateral. Let’s break down this terminology to fully understand the diagnosis it represents. Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Regular astigmatism is a specific type where the curvature of the cornea is uniformly uneven, often described as being shaped more like a football than a perfect sphere. This predictable irregularity allows for vision correction with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. The term “bilateral” in Diagnosis Code H52 223 indicates that this regular astigmatism affects both eyes. Therefore, a diagnosis of H52.223 signifies that an individual has regular astigmatism in both their right and left eyes.
H52.223 is a billable and specific code within the ICD-10-CM system. This means it is recognized for reimbursement purposes, providing a precise classification for medical billing and insurance claims related to bilateral regular astigmatism. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, where H52.223 is included, became effective on October 1, 2024. This code is part of the American ICD-10-CM version, and it’s important to note that international versions of ICD-10 may have variations.
Within the broader ICD-10-CM code set, diagnosis code h52 223 is positioned amongst related codes for astigmatism and refractive errors. Codes adjacent to H52.223 provide further specificity:
- H52.221: Regular astigmatism, right eye
- H52.222: Regular astigmatism, left eye
- H52.229: Regular astigmatism, unspecified eye
- H52.213: Irregular astigmatism, bilateral
- H52.203: Astigmatism, unspecified, bilateral
These related codes highlight the importance of specifying the type of astigmatism (regular vs. irregular) and the affected eye(s) for accurate diagnosis and coding. The history of diagnosis code h52 223 shows its consistent presence in the ICD-10-CM system since 2016, reaffirming its established role in medical classifications. The code history indicates no changes from 2016 through the 2025 update, demonstrating the code’s stability and continued relevance.
In conclusion, diagnosis code H52.223 is a precise and billable code for documenting bilateral regular astigmatism. Understanding the specifics of this code is essential for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis, treatment, and medical coding, ensuring accurate representation of patient conditions and facilitating appropriate healthcare management.
