H18.442
BillableKeratomalacia, left eye
This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
Keratomalacia is a serious eye condition where the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) becomes soft and cloudy, leading to potential vision loss. This code specifically refers to this condition affecting the left eye.
Coding Tips
- •Keratomalacia is often associated with severe vitamin A deficiency and is considered a medical emergency; verify documentation supports this diagnosis and check for related vitamin A deficiency codes (E50.x) to code comprehensively
- •Ensure the laterality is correctly documented as left eye (H18.442) versus right eye (H18.441) or bilateral (H18.443) to avoid coding errors
Code Hierarchy
└H18Other disorders of cornea└H18.4Corneal degeneration└H18.44Keratomalacia└H18.442Keratomalacia, left eye
└H18.442Keratomalacia, left eye