Unspecified interstitial keratitis, bilateral

This code signifies inflammation of the corneal stroma (the middle layer of the cornea) in both eyes, where the specific cause or type of interstitial keratitis has not been identified or documented. It indicates a bilateral corneal inflammatory process affecting the deeper layers without a more precise diagnosis.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "interstitial keratitis, bilateral" but lacks further specificity regarding etiology (e.g., syphilitic, herpetic, non-syphilitic non-herpetic). This code is appropriate when the physician has not yet determined the underlying cause or when the documentation is insufficient to assign a more specific code.

• Avoid using this code if the underlying cause of the interstitial keratitis is known and documented (e.g., syphilis, herpes simplex).
• Always query the provider for more specific documentation if "unspecified" is used, as more specific codes exist for various etiologies.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "bilateral" to support the use of this code; otherwise, unilateral codes or unspecified laterality codes may be more appropriate.