ICD-10-CM Billable Code

H54.1224

Low vision right eye category 2, blindness left eye category 4

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

ICD-10 Code H54.1224 describes a specific vision impairment characterized by low vision in the right eye and blindness in the left eye. Low vision refers to significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. This condition often impacts daily activities and overall quality of life. The code helps healthcare professionals document and classify the severity of visual impairments to facilitate accurate diagnosis, treatment, and support planning.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Age-related macular degeneration Diabetic retinopathy Glaucoma Retinal detachment or damage Optic nerve diseases such as optic neuritis Trauma or injury to eyes Inherited eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa Previous eye surgeries or complications Corneal scars or opacities

Key Symptoms: Reduced vision in one or both eyes Difficulty seeing objects at certain distances Impaired contrast sensitivity Difficulty reading or recognizing faces Increased dependence on other senses or assistive devices Visual field loss in the affected eye Difficulty adapting to changes in lighting conditions Potential glare sensitivity

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: To assess visual impairment, eye care professionals perform comprehensive eye examinations that may include visual acuity tests, refraction assessments, slit-lamp examinations, retinal imaging, and visual field tests. These evaluations help determine the degree of vision loss, classify it according to ICD-10 categories, and identify underlying causes. Additional tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography might be used to visualize retinal structures and blood vessels, aiding in accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: Corrective eyewear or contact lenses to optimize existing vision Medicines such as eye drops or systemic medications to manage underlying conditions like glaucoma or inflammation Laser therapy or surgical interventions to repair retinal damage, remove cataracts, or improve eye structure Assistive devices like magnifiers or special glasses to enhance remaining vision Low vision rehabilitation programs to help individuals adapt and maximize their visual capabilities Use of technological aids such as screen readers, voice-activated devices, and other adaptive tools Lifestyle adjustments to improve safety and independence

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 H54.1224 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H54.1224 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report H54.1224?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Low vision right eye category 2, blindness left eye category 4 and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

Cite this Clinical Reference