ICD-10-CM Billable Code

H52.512

Internal ophthalmoplegia (complete) (total), left eye

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Internal ophthalmoplegia refers to a condition where there is paralysis or weakness of the muscles controlling the eye's internal movements, including the muscles responsible for pupil dilation and eye focusing. When it is described as complete or total, it indicates that the abnormality affects all aspects of eye movement within the affected eye—in this case, the left eye. This condition can significantly impair vision and eye coordination, requiring proper medical attention to manage symptoms and address underlying causes.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Nerve damage or neuropathy affecting the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) Brainstem lesions or strokes impacting eye movement pathways Multiple sclerosis causing demyelination of nerve fibers Tumors or masses pressing on nerve pathways involved in eye control Trauma or injury to the brain or orbit Infections that damage neural tissues related to eye movement Diabetes-related nerve damage

Key Symptoms: Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) on the affected side Pupil dilation abnormalities (either fixed or dilated pupils) Double vision (diplopia) Difficulty focusing on objects Limited or paralysis of eye movements, resulting in misalignment Headache or eye pain in some cases Reduced responsiveness of the iris to light

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination and neuro-ophthalmologic assessment. Tests may include:

Treatment Protocols: Management of internal ophthalmoplegia depends on the underlying cause. Possible approaches include:

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 H52.512 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H52.512 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report H52.512?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Internal ophthalmoplegia (complete) (total), left eye and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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