Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis of unsp lacrimal passage

This code signifies a persistent inflammation of the tear duct canaliculi, the small tubes that drain tears from the eye surface into the lacrimal sac. It indicates that the specific canaliculus (upper or lower) affected by the chronic inflammation is not documented.

Use this code when documentation specifies chronic inflammation of a lacrimal canaliculus, but does not specify laterality or which specific canaliculus is involved. This typically occurs when the physician notes "chronic canaliculitis" without further anatomical detail.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right, left, bilateral) or specific canaliculus (superior, inferior) is documented; more specific codes exist.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "chronic" to differentiate from acute canaliculitis.
• Query the provider if laterality or specific canaliculus is unclear to allow for more precise coding.