Neonatal conjunctivitis and dacryocystitis

This code identifies inflammatory conditions affecting the eyes of a newborn, specifically conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac). These conditions are typically observed shortly after birth and may be infectious or non-infectious in origin.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a newborn presenting with signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, discharge, or swelling of the conjunctiva, or dacryocystitis, characterized by swelling, redness, and discharge from the lacrimal sac area. This includes cases of ophthalmia neonatorum or blocked tear ducts with inflammation in a neonate.

• Differentiate from congenital lacrimal duct obstruction without inflammation, which would be coded elsewhere.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the patient is a neonate (birth to 28 days old) for accurate application.
• If a specific infectious agent is identified, consider an additional code for the causative organism.