Question: I am a little confused when finding the appropriate diagnosis code for reimbursement for CPT code 66982 Complex cataract extraction with IOL. The confusion I have are diagnosis code H26.8 "other specified cataract" or H26.9 "unspecified cataract".

Answer: The ICD-10 code for complex cataract surgery should identify what qualifies the surgery as complex.

• Use H21.261-H21.263, H21.269, H21.29, H21.561-H21.563, H21.569 if the operative note indicates the use of an endocapsular ring to partially occlude the pupil.
• Use H21.271-H21.273, H21.279, H26.211-H26.213, H26.219, H26.221-H26.223, H26.229 if the operative note indicates micro iris hooks were inserted through four separate corneal incisions, Beehler or similar expansion device, multiple sphincterotomies created with scissors, or sector iridotomy with suture repair of iris sphincter.
• Use H21.221-H21.223, or H21.229 if the operative note indicates permanent intraocular suture or a capsular support ring was employed to place the IOL in a stable position.
• Use H21.531-H21.533, or H21.539 if the operative note indicates a capsular support ring was employed or an endocapsular support ring was used to partially occlude the pupil.
• Use E08.36, E09.36, E10.36, E11.36, E13.36, H21.81, H21.89, H21.9, H22, H25.031-H25.033, H25.039, H25.041-H25.043, H25.049, H25.10-H25.13, H25.89, H25.9, H26.001-H26.003, H26.009, H26.041-H26.043, H26.049, H26.051-H26.053, H26.059, H26.011-H26.013, H26.019, H26.031-H26.033, H26.039, H26.061-H26.063, H26.069, H26.09, H26.101-H26.103, H26.109, H26.121-H26.123, H26.129, H26.30-H26.33, H26.8, H28, Q13.0, or Q13.2 if the operative note indicates the use of micro iris hooks inserted through four separate corneal incisions, Beehler or similar expansion device, multiple sphincterotomies created with scissors, sector iridotomy with suture repair of iris sphincter, the IOL implant was supported by using permanent intraocular sutures, a capsular support ring or an endocapsular ring was used to partially occlude the pupil.
• Use H25.011-H25.013, H25.019, H25.811-H25.813, H25.819, H25.89 if the operative note indicates the use of micro iris hooks inserted through four separate corneal incisions, Beehler or similar expansion device, multiple sphincterotomies created with scissors, sector iridotomy with suture repair of iris sphincter, the IOL implant was supported by using permanent intraocular sutures, a capsular support ring or an endocapsular ring was used to partially occlude the pupil.

Or, when Trypan Blue or isocyanine green is employed to enhance visualization:

• Use H25.89 if the operative note indicates dye was used to stain the anterior capsule.
• Use H25.20, H25.21, H25.22, or H25.23 with H40.89, phacolytic glaucoma or dye staining of the anterior capsule.
• Use H26.111-H26.113, H26.119, H26.131-H26.133, H26.139, if the operative note indicates the use of micro iris hooks inserted through four separate corneal incisions, Beehler or similar expansion device, multiple sphincterotomies created with scissors, sector iridotomy with suture repair of iris sphincter, the IOL implant was supported by using permanent intraocular suture or a capsular support ring was employed.
• Use H26.20 if the operative note indicates the use of micro iris hooks inserted through four separate corneal incisions, Beehler or similar expansion device, multiple sphincterotomies created with scissors, sector iridotomy with suture repair of iris sphincter, IOL implant was supported by using permanent intraocular sutures, a capsular support ring was employed or a primary posterior capsulorrhexis was performed.
• Use H28 if the operative note or post-operative records indicate an extraordinary amount of work was involved in the preoperative or post-operative care.
• Use H27.10, H27.111-H27.113, H27.119, H27.121-H27.123, H27.129, H27.131-H27.133, H27.139, Q12.1, Q12.2, Q12.4, or Q12.8 if the operative note indicates the IOL was supported by using permanent intraocular sutures or a capsular support ring was employed.
• Use H57.00-H57.04, H57.051-H57.053, H57.059, H57.09 or H57.9 if the operative note indicates the use of micro iris hooks inserted through four separate incisions, Beehler or similar expansion device, multiple sphincterotomies created with scissors, sector iridotomy with suture repair of iris sphincter or an artificial prosthetic iris was placed in the eye.
• Use Q13.1 if the operative note indicates the IOL was supported in the eye by using permanent intraocular sutures, a capsular support ring was employed or an endocapsular ring was used to partially occlude the pupil.