Decoding Thyroid Eye Disease With ICD-10
What is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or thyroid-associated orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition that affects the tissues and muscles around the eyes. It is commonly associated with Graves’ disease, a thyroid disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone.
Thyroid eye disease is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and tissues, leading to symptoms such as bulging eyes, double vision, eye pain, and difficulty closing the eyes. In severe cases, it can cause vision loss and permanent damage to the eye muscles.
Code Information
The ICD-10 code for thyroid eye disease is H05.2. This code is used to classify and track cases of thyroid eye disease in medical records and billing systems. It helps healthcare providers accurately diagnose and treat patients with this condition.
Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG)
Thyroid eye disease falls under the following MS-DRG categories:
MS-DRG 073 – Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders
MS-DRG 074 – Other Disorders of the Nervous System
These DRG categories are used by healthcare providers and insurance companies to classify and reimburse for medical services related to thyroid eye disease.
Convert to ICD-9 Code
The equivalent ICD-9 code for thyroid eye disease is 242.2. This code was used before the transition to the ICD-10 coding system and is still sometimes referenced in older medical records and databases.
Code History
The ICD-10 code H05.2 for thyroid eye disease was introduced in 2015 as part of the tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases. It replaced the previous ICD-9 code 242.2 and provides more detailed and specific information about the condition for healthcare providers and researchers.
Approximate Synonyms
Other terms that may be used interchangeably with thyroid eye disease include:
Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Thyroid-associated orbitopathy
Thyroid eye disorder
These synonyms are helpful for healthcare providers and researchers when searching for information about the condition in medical literature and databases.
Clinical Information
Thyroid eye disease is believed to be caused by an autoimmune response in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues and muscles around the eyes. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, and scarring of the eye muscles, causing them to become enlarged and protrude from the eye sockets.
The condition is more common in individuals with Graves’ disease, a thyroid disorder that affects the production of thyroid hormone. It is also more prevalent in women than men and tends to occur in middle-aged individuals.
Causes
The exact cause of thyroid eye disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by an autoimmune response in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues and muscles around the eyes. Factors that may contribute to the development of the condition include:
Genetic predisposition
Thyroid dysfunction
Smoking
These factors can increase the risk of developing thyroid eye disease and may exacerbate symptoms in individuals already diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of thyroid eye disease include:
Bulging eyes
Double vision
Eye pain
Difficulty closing the eyes
In severe cases, thyroid eye disease can cause vision loss, eye muscle weakness, and permanent damage to the eye structures. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing thyroid eye disease typically involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist or an eye specialist. The healthcare provider will assess the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and perform various tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:
Visual acuity testing
Eye movement testing
Imaging studies (CT scan, MRI)
Once diagnosed, the healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and needs.
Treatment
Treatment for thyroid eye disease aims to manage symptoms, control inflammation, and prevent further damage to the eye structures. Common treatment options may include
