Crystal's MCW Coder Hub🧬 ICD-10-CM H35.3223 — Exudative AMD, Left Eye, Inactive Scar
Billable Code — No Warning Needed
ICD-10 CM H35.3223 is a valid, billable, fully specified 7-character ICD-10-CM code for FY2025. All seven characters present:
H35(category) +.3(degeneration of macula) +2(exudative) +2(left eye) +3(inactive scar). This is the terminal stage of wet AMD — the disciform scar end-state — and is the most stable, permanent code in the entire H35.32x family.
Non-Billable Parent Codes
- ❌
H35.322— 6-character header — missing stage character [web:164]- ❌
H35.32— 5-character header — missing laterality AND stage Always submit H35.3223 (all 7 characters) for inactive scar, left eye.
🔍 Code Description
H35.3223 classifies exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration of the left eye with inactive scar — the final, permanent stage of wet AMD in which the choroidal neovascularization has involuted and been replaced by a fibrovascular disciform scar at the posterior pole of the left eye. The CNV membrane is no longer viable, no longer leaking, and no longer treatable — it has been replaced by a permanent fibrotic scar that destroys the overlying retinal architecture, including photoreceptors and RPE, in the foveal and perifoveal region.
Unlike H35.3222 (inactive CNV), where CNV is quiescent but still viable and potentially re-activatable, the scar in H35.3223 represents the true end-state of wet AMD — a permanent structural lesion. The central vision loss associated with a disciform scar is irreversible by any current treatment and represents the outcome that the entire anti-VEGF treatment paradigm is designed to prevent. Management at this stage shifts entirely from treatment to low vision rehabilitation, patient support, and surveillance of the fellow eye to prevent the same outcome there.
The Official ICD-10-CM Full Description — Stage 2 vs. Stage 3
The ICD-10-CM tabular clarifies the distinction between the last two stages:
- Stage 2 (H35.3222) = “with inactive choroidal neovascularization with involuted or regressed neovascularization” — CNV vessels have regressed/involuted but have NOT yet formed a permanent scar; the process is reversible (can re-activate)
- Stage 3 (H35.3223) = “with inactive scar” — the neovascular process has completed its natural history; fibrovascular scar tissue has replaced the CNV; irreversible
The key word differentiating them: “scar.” When the physician documents “scar,” “disciform scar,” “fibrovascular scar,” “subretinal fibrosis,” or “disciform degeneration” → H35.3223. When they document “resolved fluid,” “CNV quiescent,” “involuted CNV,” or “regressed neovascularization” without scar → H35.3222.
🌳 Code Tree / Hierarchy — Left Eye Wet AMD Complete
H35.32 Exudative AMD ❌ Non-billable header
│
└── H35.322 Left Eye ❌ Non-billable header
│
├── H35.3220 Stage unspecified ⚠️ Last resort
├── H35.3221 Active CNV ⚡ Emergency — inject urgently
├── H35.3222 Inactive CNV — T&E/PRN monitoring
└── H35.3223 INACTIVE SCAR ◀ THIS CODE ✅ END-STAGE — permanent
📊 H35.3223 — Final Stop in Wet AMD Staging
Complete Left-Eye Wet AMD Staging Reference
| Code | Stage | OCT Finding | Fluid? | Anti-VEGF? | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H35.3220 | Unspecified ⚠️ | Unknown | ? | Cannot determine | Unknown |
| H35.3221 | Active CNV ⚡ | SRF/IRF/PED/hemorrhage | ✅ YES | ✅ Inject urgently | ✅ With treatment |
| H35.3222 | Inactive CNV | Flat macula, CNV membrane | ❌ No | T&E or PRN | ✅ CNV can re-activate |
| H35.3223 | Inactive Scar ← This Code | Hyperreflective subretinal fibrosis | ❌ No | ❌ Usually stopped | ❌ PERMANENT |
H35.3222 vs. H35.3223 — The Decision That Matters Most
This Is the Most Consequential Staging Decision in Wet AMD Coding
| Feature | H35.3222 Inactive CNV | H35.3223 Inactive Scar |
|---|---|---|
| Physician language triggers | ”Resolved,” “quiescent,” “involuted CNV,” “regressed,” “no fluid,” “stable CNV" | "Scar,” “disciform,” “fibrosis,” “disciform scar,” “subretinal fibrosis,” “disciform degeneration” |
| OCT appearance | Flat macula; CNV membrane may be visible; no fluid | Hyperreflective dome-shaped subretinal fibrosis; photoreceptor loss above scar |
| CNV vessels | Present — involuted/quiescent | Replaced by fibrous tissue |
| Reactivation risk | ✅ HIGH — monitor closely | ❌ Very low — scar cannot re-activate |
| Anti-VEGF continued? | ✅ Yes — T&E or PRN | ❌ Usually discontinued |
| VA potential | Stable or slightly improving | Permanently reduced — 20/200+ typical |
| Low vision rehab? | May be started if VA impaired | ✅ Primary management modality |
| Legal blindness code? | If VA criteria met | ✅ Almost always — H54.8 is standard co-code |
| Telescope prosthesis eligible? | ❌ Not yet end-stage | ✅ CentraSight — if bilateral end-stage |
📋 Clinical Overview — The Disciform Scar
What Is a Disciform Scar?
A disciform scar (also called disciform degeneration or fibrovascular disciform scar) is the end-stage lesion of wet AMD — the final result of untreated or incompletely treated CNV that has progressed through the full natural history of neovascular AMD:
Active CNV (H35.3221)
→ Subretinal fluid, hemorrhage, exudation
→ Progressive photoreceptor damage
→ RPE disruption
→ Fibrovascular proliferation
→ Fibrotic replacement of CNV membrane
→ DISCIFORM SCAR (H35.3223)
→ Permanent central scotoma
→ Legal blindness (H54.8) — common
On OCT, the disciform scar appears as a dome-shaped or lens-shaped hyperreflective subretinal structure replacing the normal RPE-Bruch’s membrane-choriocapillaris complex, with overlying photoreceptor atrophy and outer nuclear layer thinning directly above the fibrosis. There is no fluid. No treatment can reverse this structural change — the photoreceptors and RPE directly above and within the scar zone are permanently lost.
What Caused the Scar — The Three Pathways
| Pathway | Description | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inadequately treated CNV | CNV not identified early enough, or access to care delayed — progressed to scar | Most common historical cause before anti-VEGF era |
| Anti-VEGF non-response | CNV persisted despite injections — partial responder; fibrosis progressed | ~10-15% of treated wet AMD eyes |
| Breakthrough scarring under T&E | CNV reactivated and progressed between extended intervals before next injection | T&E over-extension risk; balance between interval and monitoring |
| Natural history (untreated) | Patient declined treatment or was not a candidate | End-stage outcome of untreated wet AMD |
Don't Automatically Assume Treatment Failure = H35.3223
Not every poor visual outcome in a treated wet AMD patient equals scar. A patient with persistent SRF despite injections may still be H35.3221 (active CNV — partial response) — not H35.3223. Scar requires explicit OCT evidence of fibrosis and/or physician documentation of disciform scar. Persistent fluid without scar = still H35.3221. Query if unclear.
Vision at the Disciform Scar Stage
Vision loss in H35.3223 is permanent and typically severe:
| VA Range | Clinical Meaning | H54.xx Code |
|---|---|---|
| 20/70-20/160 | Moderate vision loss — peripheral compensation possible | H54.2x1 |
| 20/200-20/400 | Legal blindness threshold — most common range for left eye scar | H54.12x + H54.8 |
| 20/400-20/800 | Profound vision loss — severe scotoma, large scar | H54.8 |
| CF (count fingers) / HM (hand motion) / LP (light perception) | Extensive fibrosis — maximum vision loss | H54.8 |
Central Vision Loss ≠ Total Blindness at H35.3223
A critical counseling and documentation point: peripheral vision is preserved in macular disease including disciform scar. [web:165] The patient loses central vision (reading, face recognition, fine detail) but retains peripheral/navigational vision (orientation, mobility, independent ambulation). This distinction affects:
- Low vision rehabilitation approach — eccentric viewing training exploits remaining peripheral field
- Legal documentation — legal blindness (H54.8) is based on best-corrected VA in the better eye, not total blindness
- Driving counseling — central vision loss below driving threshold requires DMV notification and documentation in the record
- Fall risk — preserved peripheral vision reduces (but does not eliminate) fall risk compared to total blindness
🦺 End-Stage AMD Interventions — H35.3223 Specific Options
Telescope Prosthesis (CentraSight) — The Unique H35.3223 Intervention
The Telescope Prosthesis — A Coding Opportunity Unique to End-Stage AMD
The IMT (Implantable Miniature Telescope), delivered through the CentraSight Treatment Program, is an FDA-approved surgical intervention specifically for end-stage AMD — including disciform scar (H35.3223) with bilateral central scotomas. It is not available for any earlier AMD stage.
Eligibility Criteria (Aetna/CMS):
- Bilateral end-stage AMD (geographic atrophy or disciform scar in both eyes)
- Best-corrected VA: 20/160 to 20/800 in both eyes
- Age ≥ 75 years
- No prior cataract surgery in the eye to be implanted
- Stable disease — no active CNV
- Candidate screening with external telescope simulator
- Willingness to participate in postoperative visual rehabilitation program
How It Works: The IMT is implanted in the capsular bag of one eye (after cataract extraction). Wide-angle micro-optics create a telephoto system that magnifies central objects 2.2-2.7×, projecting the enlarged image onto the healthy perimacular retina — bypassing the central scotoma caused by the disciform scar. The non-implanted fellow eye provides peripheral vision for orientation and mobility. Result: the implanted eye sees centrally (reading, faces); the fellow eye sees peripherally (navigation).
Clinical Outcomes:
- 90.1% of patients achieved ≥2-line improvement in near or distance VA at 12 months
- 67% achieved ≥3-line improvement in distance VA vs. 13% of fellow-eye controls
CPT / HCPCS for Telescope Prosthesis:
| Code | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 66982 or 66983 | Cataract extraction with insertion of intraocular lens — complex | Cataract extraction component of implantation |
| V2632 | Posterior chamber intraocular lens — telescope prosthesis | Device code for IMT — verify current code |
| 92065 | Orthoptic training | Eccentric viewing / PRL training — postoperative rehab |
| 97166-GP | OT evaluation — high complexity | Low vision ADL rehabilitation |
Telescope Prosthesis Requires BILATERAL End-Stage AMD
The IMT is only indicated when both eyes have end-stage AMD. If the patient has H35.3223 in the left eye but the right eye has treatable wet AMD (H35.3221) or active dry AMD (H35.3112), they are NOT a candidate. Both eyes must be documented as end-stage before the CentraSight evaluation process begins. Code both eyes appropriately — bilateral H35.3233 or separate laterality-specific codes for each eye’s end-stage status — and document the bilateral qualification explicitly in the record.
Low Vision Rehabilitation — Standard of Care at H35.3223
Low Vision Rehab Is the Primary Management Modality at H35.3223 — Bill It
Low vision rehabilitation is consistently underbilled in end-stage AMD. Every H35.3223 patient should receive a low vision evaluation and be offered rehabilitation services.
| CPT Code | Description | H35.3223 Application |
|---|---|---|
| 92065 | Orthoptic/pleoptic training | Eccentric viewing training — preferred retinal locus (PRL) development |
| 97166-GP | OT evaluation, high complexity | Initial low vision ADL assessment |
| 97535-GO | Self-care/home management training | ADL training — reading, cooking, medication management with low vision |
| 92004 or 92014 | Ophthalmological exam | Low vision evaluation — annual monitoring |
| V2600-V2615 | Low vision spectacles and aids | Optical magnification devices |
| 92340 | Fitting of spectacles | Low vision aid fitting |
Document the Low Vision Referral Every Time — Even If Declined
At every H35.3223 encounter, the medical record should document:
- Acknowledgment of permanent vision loss — physician’s discussion with patient
- Low vision rehabilitation referral offered — whether accepted or declined
- Driving status — documented discontinuation of driving when VA falls below state threshold
- Fall risk counseling — central scotoma and balance
- Mental health screening — depression is highly prevalent at this stage
This documentation protects the practice legally, supports quality measure compliance, and creates the foundation for low vision rehabilitation CPT billing if the patient engages in services.
💰 HCC Risk Adjustment (CMS-HCC v28)
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| CMS-HCC Model Version | v28 (2024-2025 Implementation) |
| HCC Assignment | ❌ Not Mapped |
| HCC Category | N/A |
| RAF Coefficient | 0.000 |
ICD-10 CM H35.3223 carries no direct HCC weight. However, end-stage AMD patients are uniformly elderly Medicare beneficiaries with high comorbidity burden. The lower encounter frequency at this stage (annual or semi-annual once anti-VEGF is stopped) makes each visit a concentrated comorbidity capture opportunity. Every H35.3223 encounter should include a full comorbidity sweep — DM, CAD, CKD, atrial fibrillation, depression — all of which carry HCC weight and are frequently under-documented in ophthalmology-only encounters.
🏥 MS-DRG Assignment
MDC 02 — Diseases and Disorders of the Eye (if principal — extremely rare)
| DRG | Title | Est. Relative Weight* |
|---|---|---|
| DRG 124 | Other Disorders of the Eye with MCC | ~0.95-1.15 |
| DRG 125 | Other Disorders of the Eye with CC | ~0.70-0.90 |
| DRG 126 | Other Disorders of the Eye without CC/MCC | ~0.50-0.70 |
*Verify against IPPS FY2025 Final Rule tables.
H35.3223 as Inpatient Additional Diagnosis
At this stage, H35.3223 appears almost exclusively as an additional diagnosis in the inpatient setting — typically in elderly patients admitted for falls, hip fractures, cardiac events, or major surgical procedures. The key inpatient documentation value: when the physician explicitly links the patient’s visual impairment/legal blindness from the disciform scar to a fall event or functional limitation affecting recovery or discharge disposition, H35.3223 + H54.8 become clinically active diagnoses that may influence DRG tier through their impact on CC/MCC burden documentation.
🔗 Related ICD-10-CM Codes
Complete Left-Eye Wet AMD Staging
| Code | Stage | Fluid? | Reversible? | Anti-VEGF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H35.3220 | Unspecified ⚠️ | ? | Unknown | Cannot determine |
| H35.3221 | Active CNV ⚡ | ✅ YES | ✅ With treatment | ✅ Inject urgently |
| H35.3222 | Inactive CNV | ❌ No | ✅ Can re-activate | T&E or PRN |
| H35.3223 | Inactive Scar ← This Code | ❌ No | ❌ PERMANENT | ❌ Usually stopped |
Right-Eye and Bilateral Equivalents
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H35.3213 | Exudative AMD, right eye, with inactive scar |
| H35.3233 | Exudative AMD, bilateral, with inactive scar |
Vision Impairment — Almost Always Co-Coded at This Stage
| Code | Description | When |
|---|---|---|
| H54.8 | Legal blindness, as defined in USA | VA ≤20/200 better eye — most common at this stage |
| H54.12x | Blindness, left eye, low vision right | VA ≤20/200 left eye — use with H54.8 for laterality specificity |
| H54.2x1 | Low vision, left eye, category 1 | VA 20/70-20/160 left eye — smaller or parafoveal scars |
| H54.2x2 | Low vision, left eye, category 2 | VA 20/200-20/400 left eye |
Concurrent Dry AMD — Co-Code When Present
| Code | Description | When |
|---|---|---|
| H35.3124 | Nonexudative AMD, left eye, advanced subfoveal | Geographic atrophy co-existing with disciform scar in same eye |
| H35.3112 | Nonexudative AMD, right eye, intermediate dry | Fellow eye dry AMD — separately codeable |
Commonly Co-Coded
| Code | Description | When |
|---|---|---|
| F32.9 | Major depressive disorder | Central vision loss + permanent disability → high depression prevalence |
| Z91.81 | History of falling | Scotoma-related fall risk |
| Z73.82 | Driving status — not currently driving | When driving cessation documented secondary to vision loss |
| Z82.1 | Family history of blindness | Ongoing risk documentation |
🛠️ CPT / HCPCS — H35.3223 Encounter Templates
Template A: Annual Monitoring Visit — Scar Stable, No Active CNV
| Type | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | 92014 | Comprehensive ophthalmological exam, established |
| OCT | 92134 | Scar stability check; detect new CNV adjacent to scar |
| FA (if needed) | 92235 | Only if new CNV suspected at scar margin |
| Diagnosis | H35.3223 | Inactive scar — primary |
| Co-diagnosis | H54.8 | Legal blindness — if VA criteria met |
Annual OCT at H35.3223 — Still Medically Necessary
Even though anti-VEGF is stopped and the scar is permanent, annual OCT monitoring is still medically justified at H35.3223 to detect:
- New CNV adjacent to the existing scar — scar margin is a risk zone for new CNV development; if detected, code shifts to H35.3221 for the new active component alongside H35.3223 for the existing scar
- Contiguous expansion of scar — ongoing fibrosis may expand the scotoma even without new fluid
- Fellow eye conversion — the fellow eye’s status should be assessed and documented at every visit
Document the medical necessity explicitly: “Annual OCT performed to monitor for new CNV at scar margin and assess fellow eye AMD status.”
Template B: Low Vision Rehabilitation Referral Visit
| Type | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | 92014 | Established comprehensive — VA reassessment |
| Low vision eval | 92065 | Eccentric viewing assessment; PRL training initiation |
| OT referral | 97166-GP | If OT low vision services initiated at this visit |
| Diagnosis 1 | H35.3223 | Inactive scar — primary |
| Diagnosis 2 | H54.8 | Legal blindness — drives low vision service medical necessity |
💊 Coding Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Transition from H35.3222 to H35.3223 (Outpatient)
Clinical Vignette: A 83-year-old male with wet AMD left eye — on quarterly Vabysmo T&E, last visit showed “inactive CNV, macula dry.” Today: OCT left eye shows new subretinal hyperreflective material with overlying photoreceptor loss and RPE disruption — consistent with evolving disciform scar. No fluid. VA: 20/400 OS (decreased from 20/200 at last visit). Physician documents: “Disciform scar forming, left eye — end-stage wet AMD — anti-VEGF discontinued — low vision rehabilitation referral placed — CentraSight evaluation discussed given bilateral end-stage disease.” No injection today.
CPT / HCPCS:
- 92014 — Comprehensive exam (extended — end-stage transition counseling)
- 92134 — OCT posterior segment (scar confirmation)
- 92065 — Orthoptic training (eccentric viewing/PRL — initiated today)
ICD-10-CM:
- H35.3223 — Exudative AMD, left eye, inactive scar (upgraded from H35.3222 — disciform scar now documented; retire H35.3222 for this eye permanently)
- H54.8 — Legal blindness (VA 20/400 OS — legal blindness criteria met)
- H54.12x — Blindness, left eye (laterality-specific companion to H54.8)
The Scar Documentation = Permanent Code Change
Scenario 2 — Bilateral End-Stage — CentraSight Evaluation (Outpatient)
Clinical Vignette: An 80-year-old female with bilateral end-stage AMD — disciform scar both eyes (H35.3223 left, H35.3213 right). VA: 20/400 OD, 20/320 OS — bilateral legal blindness. Referred today for CentraSight evaluation. Physician confirms stable bilateral end-stage disease. Telescope simulator trial performed — patient demonstrates improvement with magnification. Candidate for IMT implantation.
CPT / HCPCS:
- 92014 — Comprehensive ophthalmological exam
- 92134 — OCT bilateral (scar stability confirmation)
- 92065 — Orthoptic training / telescope simulator trial
ICD-10-CM:
- H35.3233 — Exudative AMD, bilateral, with inactive scar (bilateral same stage → bilateral code appropriate)
- OR: H35.3213 + H35.3223 (separate laterality codes — either acceptable; confirm payer preference)
- H54.8 — Legal blindness (bilateral — VA 20/200+ both eyes)
Scenario 3 — New CNV at Scar Margin — H35.3221 Alongside H35.3223 (Outpatient)
Clinical Vignette: A 78-year-old female with longstanding disciform scar, left eye. Annual monitoring OCT today shows: existing scar unchanged — but new small subretinal fluid collection noted ADJACENT to the scar margin, not within the scar itself. FA confirms new active type 2 CNV at the scar margin. Physician documents: “Existing disciform scar unchanged. New CNV at scar margin, left eye — restarting anti-VEGF.” Vabysmo injected today.
ICD-10-CM:
- H35.3221 — Exudative AMD, left eye, active CNV (new CNV at scar margin — active component)
- H35.3223 — Exudative AMD, left eye, inactive scar (existing scar — concurrent condition in same eye)
New CNV at Scar Margin — Code Both H35.3221 AND H35.3223
When new active CNV develops adjacent to an existing disciform scar in the same eye, both codes apply concurrently: H35.3221 for the new active CNV component AND H35.3223 for the pre-existing scar. Do NOT replace H35.3223 with H35.3221 — the scar is still present and still relevant. Do NOT drop H35.3221 because a scar is also present — the new CNV is the driver of today’s treatment. This is one of the few scenarios where two H35.32x codes for the same eye are appropriate.
Scenario 4 — H35.3223 as Inpatient Additional Diagnosis — Fall with Hip Fracture
Clinical Vignette: An 82-year-old female admitted for left hip fracture following a fall at home. H&P: “History of wet AMD with bilateral disciform scarring — legal blindness — not driving — on low vision aids — fell reaching for medication in a dark kitchen — central vision loss contributed to fall.” VA: CF OS, 20/400 OD.
Principal Diagnosis: S72.002A — Fracture of unspecified part of neck of left femur, initial encounter
Additional Diagnoses:
- H35.3223 — Exudative AMD, left eye, inactive scar (active chronic condition — contributed to fall per physician)
- H35.3213 — Exudative AMD, right eye, inactive scar (bilateral end-stage — documented)
- H54.8 — Legal blindness (physician documents legal blindness — directly contributed to fall)
- W19.XXXA — Unspecified fall, initial encounter (external cause)
"Contributed to the Fall" Language — Your UHDDS Anchor
When the physician explicitly documents that visual impairment from disciform scar contributed to the fall, H35.3223 and H54.8 meet UHDDS criteria as active conditions that “affected the treatment received and/or the length of stay.” The physical therapy plan must account for central vision loss; discharge disposition (home vs. SNF) is directly influenced by the patient’s bilateral legal blindness. These codes belong on the claim — document the connection explicitly.
⚠️ Coding Pitfalls and Tips
| Pitfall or Tip | |
|---|---|
| ❌ | Never use H35.3222 when “scar” or “disciform” is documented — once scar is present, only H35.3223 is correct; H35.3222 implies CNV still viable |
| ❌ | Never cycle back to H35.3222 from H35.3223 — disciform scar is permanent; the code is a one-way door |
| ❌ | Never drop H35.3223 if new CNV develops at scar margin — both H35.3221 (new CNV) and H35.3223 (existing scar) are co-coded concurrently [web:109] |
| ❌ | Never assume anti-VEGF billing is unjustifiable with H35.3223 — while usually stopped, if physician documents active CNV adjacent to scar → H35.3221 + H35.3223 supports injection |
| ❌ | Never omit H54.8 when VA ≤20/200 — legal blindness is almost universal at the disciform scar stage and is separately codeable every encounter |
| ✅ | Trigger words = H35.3223: “scar,” “disciform,” “disciform scar,” “fibrovascular scar,” “subretinal fibrosis,” “disciform degeneration” [web:109] |
| ✅ | Annual OCT is still billable at H35.3223 — medical necessity = detecting new CNV at scar margin |
| ✅ | Low vision rehab is the primary billing opportunity at H35.3223 — 92065, 97166-GP, 97535-GO; document every referral and patient response |
| ✅ | CentraSight (telescope prosthesis) eligibility check — if bilateral end-stage (H35.3233 or H35.3213 + H35.3223) with VA 20/160-20/800, age ≥75 → discuss and document CentraSight candidacy [web:168] |
| ✅ | Document driving cessation — when VA falls below driving threshold secondary to disciform scar; creates CDI anchor for H54.8 and fall risk documentation |
| ✅ | Screen for depression at every visit — vision loss + injection discontinuation + functional decline = high depression risk; document and refer; F32.x is separately codeable |
| ✅ | Fellow eye documentation — always document the fellow eye’s current AMD status separately at every H35.3223 encounter |
📚 Sources
1. AAPC. “ICD-10 Code H35.3223 — Exudative AMD, left eye, with inactive scar.” Confirmed billable FY2025; Excludes 2 notation for diabetic retinal disorders. [web:161]
2. Unbound Medicine ICD-10-CM. H35.3223 — Left-eye inactive scar; tabular structure. [web:162]
3. CodeMap. H35.3223 — Exudative AMD, left eye, with inactive scar — confirmed billable 7-character code. [web:140]
4. GenHealth.ai. H35.3223 ICD10CM — left eye inactive scar; bilateral equivalent H35.3233. [web:163]
5. Retinal Physician. “Coding Q&A: Coding Guidelines for Wet AMD.” Official ICD-10-CM tabular stage descriptions — stage 2 “with involuted or regressed neovascularization” vs. stage 3 “with inactive scar.” Asymmetric bilateral staging example — H35.3211 + H35.3223. [web:109]
6. Business Wire. “Wet AMD Pipeline Insight 2023.” Disciform scarring — end-stage result of neovascular AMD; peripheral vision preservation; legal blindness threshold at wet AMD end-stage; low vision rehabilitation. [web:165]
7. Review of Ophthalmology. “A New Option for End-Stage AMD.” November 2025. IMT (CentraSight) telescope prosthesis — FDA approval criteria (bilateral end-stage AMD, VA 20/160-20/800, age ≥75); 90.1% two-line improvement at 12 months; CentraSight four-step program; bypass central scotoma via perimacular projection. [web:168]
8. Aetna. “Age-Related Macular Degeneration Medical Clinical Policy.” End-stage AMD criteria for telescope prosthesis: “stable, untreatable ARMD present in both eyes (end-stage, geographic atrophy or disciform scar)”; VA 20/160-20/800 bilateral. [web:95]
9. CMS. “Billing and Coding: Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (SCODI).” H35.3223 covered diagnosis for 92134 OCT — scar stability monitoring and adjacent CNV detection. [web:54]
10. AAPC Knowledge Center. “AMD: Code It Right to Help the Fight.” February 2025. AMD staging coding review — H35.321x-H35.323x staging structure. [web:169]