Unspecified purulent endophthalmitis, unspecified eye

This code signifies an acute, severe inflammation of the intraocular fluids (vitreous and aqueous humor) and surrounding tissues, characterized by the presence of pus, without further specification of the affected eye. It indicates a bacterial or fungal infection within the eye that has not been localized to a specific eye.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates purulent endophthalmitis but does not specify whether it affects the right or left eye. This is typically an emergent condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment, often supported by ophthalmology consultation notes, culture results, and clinical findings of severe intraocular inflammation.

• Avoid using this code if the affected eye (right or left) is documented; instead, choose a more specific code (H44.01 or H44.02).
• Always look for underlying causes of endophthalmitis, such as post-surgical complications (e.g., T85.318A), trauma (e.g., S05.90XA), or systemic infection, and code them as secondary diagnoses.
• Ensure documentation supports the "purulent" nature of the infection, often indicated by terms like "pus," "hypopyon," or "vitreous abscess."