Bacterial Conjunctivitis ICD-10-CM Codes

Bacterial Conjunctivitis ICD-10-CM Codes

Check out our guide to ICD-10 codes associated with bacterial conjunctivitis to more about the codes’ clinical description, billability, synonyms, and more.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

Use Code

What ICD-10 codes are used for bacterial conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis, a common infectious conjunctivitis involving inflammation of the mucous membrane, conjunctiva, and sometimes the cornea and limbus, is caused by various bacteria. Proper diagnosis and accurate ICD-10 coding are essential for effective treatment and billing.

Below are the most frequently used bacterial conjunctivitis ICD-10 codes, including those for acute conjunctivitis, mucopurulent conjunctivitis, and chronic conjunctivitis.

H10.01: Acute follicular conjunctivitis

  • H10.011: Acute follicular conjunctivitis, right eye
  • H10.012: Acute follicular conjunctivitis, left eye
  • H10.013: Acute follicular conjunctivitis, bilateral
  • H10.019: Acute follicular conjunctivitis, unspecified eye

H10.02: Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis

  • H10.021: Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis, right eye
  • H10.022: Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis, left eye
  • H10.023: Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral
  • H10.029: Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis, unspecified eye

H10.22: Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis

  • H10.221: Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, right eye
  • H10.222: Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, left eye
  • H10.223: Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, bilateral
  • H10.229: Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, unspecified eye

H10.43: Chronic follicular conjunctivitis

  • H10.431: Chronic follicular conjunctivitis, right eye
  • H10.432: Chronic follicular conjunctivitis, left eye
  • H10.433: Chronic follicular conjunctivitis, bilateral
  • H10.439: Chronic follicular conjunctivitis, unspecified eye

H10.52: Angular blepharoconjunctivitis

  • H10.521: Angular blepharoconjunctivitis, right eye
  • H10.522: Angular blepharoconjunctivitis, left eye
  • H10.523: Angular blepharoconjunctivitis, bilateral
  • H10.529: Angular blepharoconjunctivitis, unspecified eye

Which bacterial conjunctivitis ICD codes are billable? 

The specific codes listed under H10.01, H10.02, H10.22, H10.43, and H10.52 are billable ICD-10 codes. Using the correct code based on whether the infection is in the right eye, left eye, bilateral, or unspecified eye ensures proper insurance reimbursement and documentation.

Clinical information

Bacterial conjunctivitis is classified under infectious conjunctivitis disorders and frequently presents with a range of symptoms, including:

  • Redness and inflammation of the eye
  • Irritation and gritty feeling
  • Discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Tearing and discomfort

Common causes

The primary bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis include:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Streptococcus viridans
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Hemophilus influenzae
  • Moraxella lacunata

These pathogens invade the conjunctiva, affecting either the surface of the eye, the cornea, or surrounding structures like the eyelids.

Sometimes, neonatal patients can present with ophthalmia neonatorum, a severe type of neonatal conjunctivitis.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will:

  • Review the patient’s symptoms
  • Inspect the eye for signs of dry eye, bacterial infection, or conjunctivitis bilateral
  • Conduct a visual acuity test
  • Swab and culture the conjunctival tissue if necessary
  • Evaluate for corneal involvement and possible extension to the limbus

Accurate diagnosis is critical because symptoms often overlap with viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and acute atopic conjunctivitis.

Treatment

Common treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis involves:

  • Topical antibiotics (drops or ointment)
  • Maintaining proper hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria
  • Educating patients about avoiding contamination of the other eye

Depending on the organism and severity, specific antibiotic therapy can be tailored. Mild cases may resolve on their own, but prescription medication significantly shortens the disease course.

Synonyms include

  • Acute follicular conjunctivitis in both eyes
  • Bilateral mucopurulent conjunctivitis
  • Bilateral pseudomembranous conjunctivitis
  • Chronic follicular conjunctivitis both eyes
  • Bilateral angular blepharoconjunctivitis

Commonly asked questions

You should use a bacterial conjunctivitis ICD code when a patient presents with signs of conjunctival inflammation explicitly caused by a bacterial infection, confirmed by symptoms, clinical examination, or laboratory tests. Accurate coding is essential to differentiate bacterial conjunctivitis from viral, allergic, or other types of eye inflammation for diagnosis, treatment, and billing purposes.

Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis diagnoses are billable when documented with specific ICD-10 codes like H10.01, H10.02, H10.22, H10.43, and H10.52. Using detailed codes for the affected eye (right, left, bilateral, or unspecified) ensures appropriate insurance reimbursement and supports proper medical recordkeeping.

Common treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis include antibiotic eye drops or ointments to eliminate the infection and reduce symptoms like redness and discharge. Supportive care, such as cleaning the eyelids and avoiding eye rubbing, also helps speed up recovery and prevent the infection from spreading.

Related ICDs

EHR and practice management software

Get started for free

*No credit card required

Start for free

Free

$0/usd

Unlimited clients

Telehealth

1GB of storage

Client portal text

Automated billing and online payments