Total retinal detachment, bilateral

This code signifies a complete separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium in both eyes. This severe ophthalmic condition leads to significant vision loss and requires immediate medical intervention.

This code is appropriate for documenting a diagnosis of total retinal detachment affecting both the right and left eyes. Documentation must clearly indicate the extent of the detachment as "total" and specify bilateral involvement, often confirmed by ophthalmoscopy or imaging studies.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "total" detachment; partial detachments are coded differently.
• Verify bilateral involvement; if only one eye is affected, use the appropriate laterality code (H33.051 for right, H33.052 for left).
• Always look for any associated conditions, such as retinal breaks or proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and code them separately if documented.