The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code H52.13 is a critical component of medical coding, specifically used to classify Bilateral Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness affecting both eyes. Within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system, H52.13 serves as a precise identifier for this common vision condition. This code is essential for healthcare providers, medical billers, and insurance companies for accurate record-keeping, claims processing, and epidemiological tracking.
H52.13 is categorized under the broader section of “Disorders of refraction and accommodation” (H52) and specifically within “Myopia” (H52.1). The “.13” extension denotes that the myopia is bilateral, meaning it affects both the right and left eyes. This specificity is crucial because ICD-10-CM codes are designed to be highly granular, allowing for detailed descriptions of diagnoses. Prior to the implementation of ICD-10-CM, such nuanced classifications were often less defined.
As a billable/specific code, H52.13 is recognized for reimbursement purposes. This means that healthcare services related to the diagnosis and treatment of bilateral myopia, when coded with H52.13, are eligible for insurance claims. The code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, with the 2016 edition of ICD-10-CM, and the current 2025 edition, effective from October 1, 2024, maintains H52.13 without changes, reflecting its established use in the medical coding landscape. This stability over the years underscores the code’s importance and consistent application in diagnosing bilateral myopia.
Synonyms for H52.13, such as “Bilateral myopia” and “Myopia, both eyes,” further clarify the diagnosis being coded. These alternative descriptions are helpful in understanding the clinical meaning behind the numerical code, especially for those less familiar with the ICD-10-CM system. The inclusion of these synonyms also aids in searchability and accessibility of information related to this specific diagnosis.
Within the ICD-10-CM hierarchy, H52.13 is surrounded by related codes that specify different aspects of refractive errors. For instance, codes adjacent to H52.13 include those for hypermetropia (farsightedness), other types of myopia affecting a single eye (H52.11 for right eye, H52.12 for left eye), and astigmatism (H52.2). This contextual placement highlights how H52.13 fits into the broader classification of vision-related diagnoses, enabling healthcare professionals to select the most accurate and specific code for each patient’s condition.
In summary, the H52.13 Diagnosis code is a vital tool in modern medical classification. It provides a standardized, specific, and billable identifier for bilateral myopia, ensuring accurate medical documentation, efficient healthcare administration, and comprehensive data collection for vision impairment related to nearsightedness in both eyes. Understanding H52.13 is crucial for anyone working within healthcare, from clinicians diagnosing patients to administrators managing medical records and billing processes.
