Unspecified interstitial keratitis, unspecified eye

This code represents an inflammatory condition affecting the corneal stroma, the middle layer of the cornea, without specifying the underlying cause or the affected eye. Interstitial keratitis typically spares the corneal epithelium and endothelium, leading to opacification and potential vision impairment.

Use this code when documentation indicates interstitial keratitis but lacks specificity regarding the etiology (e.g., infectious, immune-mediated, congenital) or laterality. This code is appropriate when the provider has not determined the specific type of interstitial keratitis or the affected eye.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right, left, bilateral) is documented; instead, select a more specific code.
• Always query the provider for the specific type of interstitial keratitis and laterality if not clearly documented to allow for more precise coding.
• This code should be used as a last resort when no further specificity can be obtained from the medical record or the provider.