Unspecified purulent endophthalmitis, bilateral

This code signifies an acute, severe inflammation of the interior of both eyes, characterized by the presence of pus. This infection can affect the vitreous and/or aqueous humor, often leading to significant vision impairment and potentially blindness if not promptly treated. The specific causative organism or origin of the infection is not documented.

Assign this code when documentation indicates purulent endophthalmitis affecting both eyes, but the medical record does not specify the type of endophthalmitis (e.g., panophthalmitis, vitritis, aqueous humor involvement). This code is appropriate when the physician's diagnosis explicitly states "unspecified purulent endophthalmitis, bilateral."

• Ensure documentation clearly states "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, a unilateral code or an unspecified eye code may be more appropriate.
• Avoid using this code if the specific type of purulent endophthalmitis (e.g., panophthalmitis, vitritis) is documented; instead, use a more specific code from the H44.0 subcategory.
• Always look for an underlying cause (e.g., post-procedural, traumatic, endogenous) and code it first if applicable, as endophthalmitis is often a complication of another condition.