Other keratitis

This code represents inflammatory conditions of the cornea that do not fit into more specific categories of keratitis. It encompasses various less common or ill-defined forms of corneal inflammation, excluding those with distinct etiologies like bacterial, viral, or ulcerative types.

Use this code when the medical record documents keratitis that is not specified as infectious, ulcerative, or due to exposure, neurotrophic causes, or other distinctly classified types. This is appropriate for diagnoses such as "punctate keratitis NOS," "filamentary keratitis," or "recurrent erosion syndrome" when the specific cause is not further detailed. Documentation should clearly indicate inflammation of the cornea without a more precise diagnosis.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of keratitis (e.g., H16.0-H16.4) is documented.
• Query the provider for more specific documentation if the record simply states "keratitis" without further detail.
• Consider laterality if specified in the documentation (e.g., H16.81 for right eye, H16.82 for left eye, H16.83 for bilateral).