Mooren's corneal ulcer, bilateral

This code represents Mooren's corneal ulcer affecting both eyes. Mooren's ulcer is a rare, chronic, and progressive ulcerative keratitis characterized by a painful, crescent-shaped, peripheral corneal stromal melt that can extend circumferentially and centrally. It is an idiopathic autoimmune condition.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Mooren's corneal ulcer affecting both the right and left eyes. Supporting documentation should detail the characteristic peripheral corneal ulceration and exclude other causes of corneal melting. This code is appropriate for initial encounters and subsequent follow-up care for bilateral involvement.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, use the appropriate unilateral code (H16.051 or H16.052) or unspecified (H16.059).
• Code any associated complications, such as corneal perforation (H16.8) or secondary glaucoma (H40.x), in addition to the Mooren's ulcer.
• Distinguish from other forms of peripheral ulcerative keratitis (e.g., those associated with systemic autoimmune diseases), as Mooren's is idiopathic.