ICD-10-CM Billable Code

H27.0

Aphakia

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Inclusion Terms

  • Acquired absence of lens
  • Acquired aphakia
  • Aphakia due to trauma

Excludes Type 1

  • cataract extraction status (Z98.4-)
  • congenital absence of lens (Q12.3)
  • congenital aphakia (Q12.3)

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Aphakia is a condition characterized by the absence of the natural lens of the eye. It can be present at birth or acquired later in life due to surgical removal, injury, or other medical conditions. When the lens is absent, it can significantly affect vision, leading to difficulties with focusing and clarity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of aphakia, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Surgical removal of the lens, often following cataract surgery. Traumatic injury causing damage or removal of the lens. Lens dislocation or disintegration due to genetic or systemic diseases. Less commonly, as a result of eye diseases or conditions that lead to lens removal or degeneration.

Key Symptoms: Blurred vision or decreased visual acuity. Sensitivity to light (photophobia). Glare and halos around lights, especially at night. Difficulty focusing on near and distant objects. Potential need for corrective lenses or glasses to improve vision.

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of aphakia involves a comprehensive eye examination. An ophthalmologist will examine the eye using specialized equipment to confirm the absence of the natural lens. Additional imaging tests, such as slit-lamp microscopy or ultrasound, may be utilized to assess the eye’s structure and rule out other underlying conditions.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and extent of vision impairment. Common approaches include: - Corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, to assist with focusing. - Surgical procedures, such as intraocular lens implantation, especially if aphakia results from cataract removal. - Addressing underlying causes, such as managing trauma or other eye injuries. - Regular follow-ups and visual assessments to monitor eye health and adjust treatments as needed. In cases where aphakia is part of surgical correction of cataracts, intraocular lenses (IOLs) are often implanted during surgery to restore focusing ability and reduce dependence on glasses.

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is H27.0 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H27.0 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report H27.0?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Aphakia and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

Cite this Clinical Reference