Unspecified interstitial keratitis, left eye

This code signifies inflammation of the corneal stroma (the middle layer of the cornea) in the left eye, where the specific cause or type of interstitial keratitis has not been identified or documented. It indicates a non-ulcerative inflammation that can lead to corneal opacification and vision impairment.

Use this code when the physician's documentation clearly states "interstitial keratitis, left eye" but does not specify the underlying etiology (e.g., syphilitic, herpetic, tuberculous). This code is appropriate when the diagnosis is confirmed, but further diagnostic workup for the cause is pending or inconclusive.

• Always strive for a more specific code if the etiology of the interstitial keratitis is known and documented (e.g., H16.31- for syphilitic, H16.32- for herpetic).
• Ensure the laterality (left eye) is explicitly documented. If bilateral, use the appropriate bilateral code or codes for each eye.
• Do not use this code if the keratitis is described as ulcerative, as that would fall under different code categories.