Hemophthalmos, unspecified eye

This code signifies the presence of blood within the vitreous humor of the eye, without further specification of which eye is affected. It indicates an intraocular hemorrhage that obscures the retina and can lead to vision impairment.

Apply this code when documentation confirms hemophthalmos but does not specify laterality (e.g., "hemophthalmos noted"). It is appropriate when the physician's notes indicate the presence of blood in the vitreous, but there is no further detail regarding the cause or specific eye involved.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right, left, or bilateral) is documented; instead, choose a more specific code.
• Always query the provider for laterality if not specified to allow for more precise coding.
• This code should be sequenced as a primary diagnosis when hemophthalmos is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it's a complication of another condition.