2025 ICD-10-CM code T15.00XA
Foreign body in cornea, unspecified eye, initial encounter.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a foreign body in the cornea, causing pain, discomfort, and potential vision impairment. Removal of the foreign body and related treatment are deemed necessary to alleviate symptoms, prevent infection, and preserve vision.
Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of foreign body in the cornea, which may include removal of the foreign body, medication for pain and infection prophylaxis, and follow-up care.
In simple words: This code indicates the presence of something in the clear front part of your eye (cornea), and it's the first time you're being seen for this issue. It doesn't specify which eye is affected.
The code describes a condition where a foreign object has entered the cornea of an unspecified eye. This is the patient's first encounter for this specific injury.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of foreign body sensation in their eye after working in the garden. Upon examination, a small piece of wood is found embedded in the cornea. The physician removes the foreign body and prescribes antibiotic drops., A patient reports eye pain and irritation after metal grinding work. A metallic foreign body is detected in the cornea during an ophthalmological exam, which is subsequently removed., A child is brought to the clinic after accidentally rubbing sand into their eye while playing. Examination reveals a sand particle embedded in the cornea, which is promptly removed by irrigation.
Detailed documentation should include laterality, the nature of the foreign body (if known), method of removal, associated symptoms, medications, and follow-up instructions. Visual acuity assessment is also essential.
** Never use unspecified eye code (T15.00XA) when the affected eye is known. Always use T15.01XA for the right eye and T15.02XA for the left eye for initial encounters.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology, Emergency Medicine, Optometry
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility