Corneal ulcer with hypopyon, right eye

This code signifies an ulcerative lesion on the cornea of the right eye, accompanied by hypopyon. Hypopyon is a collection of white blood cells and inflammatory exudate in the anterior chamber of the eye, indicating a severe inflammatory response, often infectious.

Use this code when documentation specifies a corneal ulcer in the right eye with the presence of hypopyon. This typically occurs in severe cases of bacterial, fungal, or amoebic keratitis. Supporting documentation should clearly state the laterality and the presence of hypopyon.

• Always confirm laterality (right eye) is documented.
• Distinguish from corneal ulcers without hypopyon (H16.00-H16.02 series) and other forms of keratitis.
• Code any underlying infectious agent (e.g., B00.5, B07.0) as an additional diagnosis, if identified and documented.