Other forms of keratitis

This code signifies various inflammatory conditions affecting the cornea that do not fit into more specific categories of keratitis. It encompasses a range of corneal inflammations caused by diverse etiologies, excluding those with distinct ICD-9-CM codes.

Use this code when the medical record documents keratitis that is not specifically identified as ulcerative, phlyctenular, dendritic, or other precisely defined forms. This applies to cases where the ophthalmologist diagnoses a general corneal inflammation without a more specific diagnostic term available in ICD-9-CM. Documentation should clearly state "keratitis, unspecified," "other keratitis," or a similar non-specific diagnosis.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific form of keratitis (e.g., ulcerative, herpetic) is documented; always code to the highest level of specificity.
• Review the medical record for any underlying cause or associated systemic condition that may require additional coding.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of keratitis that does not fall under other defined categories.