Mycotic corneal ulcer, left eye

This code signifies an ulcerative inflammation of the cornea caused by a fungal infection, specifically affecting the left eye. Mycotic corneal ulcers are serious ocular infections that can lead to significant vision impairment or loss if not promptly treated. The ulceration involves a break in the corneal epithelium and often extends into the corneal stroma.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a fungal etiology for a corneal ulcer in the patient's left eye. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical examination findings (e.g., feathery infiltrates, satellite lesions), a history of trauma involving organic matter, and often confirmed by laboratory cultures or smears identifying the specific fungus.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "mycotic" or "fungal" as the cause of the corneal ulcer; otherwise, a non-specific corneal ulcer code may be more appropriate.
• Verify laterality. This code is specific to the left eye; use H16.061 for the right eye or H16.063 for bilateral involvement.
• Consider any associated underlying conditions or complications, such as keratitis, and code them separately if documented and clinically significant.