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Key takeaways
- Demodex blepharitis uses B88.01, infestation by Demodex mites, with an H01.8- eyelid inflammation code.
- B88.0 is now a header and is no longer billable, so it has been replaced by B88.01 and B88.09.
- H01.8- codes name the lid, such as H01.81 for the right upper lid and H01.8A for both right eyelids.
- Lotilaner drops are a pharmacy benefit, so the office bills the exam, not the drug.
What Is the ICD-10 Code for Demodex Blepharitis?
Demodex blepharitis is coded with B88.01, infestation by Demodex mites, plus an H01.8- code for the eyelid inflammation. The 2 codes together report the cause and the affected lids.
These codes took effect on October 1, 2025. B88.01 comes from the infections chapter of ICD-10-CM, and H01.8- comes from the eye chapter covered in the ophthalmology ICD-10 codes list.
What Changed in the Demodex Codes?
B88.0 was split into B88.01 for Demodex mites and B88.09 for other acariasis, and H01.8 was split into 9 eyelid codes. Claims that still use B88.0 or H01.8 alone reject as incomplete.
| Old code | Status now | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| B88.0, other acariasis | Header, not billable | B88.01 Demodex mites, B88.09 other acariasis |
| H01.8, other specified inflammations of eyelid | Header, not billable | H01.81 to H01.89, H01.8A, H01.8B |
B88.01 carries a note to also code the eyelid inflammation when it is present, which is how the 2 codes are paired.
Which H01.8 Code Names Each Eyelid?
The H01.8- code names the eye and lid, with separate codes for each lid and 2 codes for both lids of one eye. The table lists all 9 codes.
| Code | Eyelid |
|---|---|
| H01.81 | Right upper eyelid |
| H01.82 | Right lower eyelid |
| H01.83 | Right eye, unspecified eyelid |
| H01.84 | Left upper eyelid |
| H01.85 | Left lower eyelid |
| H01.86 | Left eye, unspecified eyelid |
| H01.89 | Unspecified eye, unspecified eyelid |
| H01.8A | Right eye, upper and lower eyelids |
| H01.8B | Left eye, upper and lower eyelids |
Most patients have Demodex on all 4 lids, which is coded H01.8A and H01.8B together with B88.01.
How Do You Code Common Demodex Cases?
Code B88.01 once and add one H01.8- code for each eye's affected lids. These examples cover the usual findings.
| Findings | Codes |
|---|---|
| Collarettes on all 4 lids | B88.01, H01.8A, H01.8B |
| Collarettes on both right lids only | B88.01, H01.8A |
| Collarettes on the left upper lid only | B88.01, H01.84 |
| Demodex with meibomian gland dysfunction, both eyes | B88.01, H01.8A, H01.8B, plus the H02.88- gland dysfunction codes |
The record should describe the collarettes or mites seen at the slit lamp, because that finding supports the Demodex code.
When Should H01.0 Blepharitis Codes Be Used Instead?
Use H01.0- blepharitis codes when the blepharitis is not linked to Demodex, such as ulcerative or squamous blepharitis. They use the same eyelid characters as other eyelid codes.
- H01.00- for unspecified blepharitis
- H01.01- for ulcerative blepharitis
- H01.02- for squamous blepharitis
When a patient has Demodex and another type of blepharitis, code both conditions with their own codes.
How Is Demodex Blepharitis Treatment Billed?
The office visit is billed with an eye exam or E/M code and the Demodex codes, while lotilaner drops are billed by the pharmacy under the patient's drug benefit. The office does not bill a drug code for a prescription eye drop.
- Visit. Bill an exam such as 92012 with B88.01 and the H01.8- codes.
- Prescription. Many plans require prior authorization before the pharmacy fills lotilaner.
- Lid treatments. In-office lid cleaning has no covered CPT code and is usually paid by the patient.
- Follow-up. Code the same findings, or the resolved status, at the next visit.
Our cornea and dry eye billing team handles the visit coding and the prior authorization paperwork for these patients.
Why Do Demodex Blepharitis Claims Deny?
Demodex claims deny most often because they still use B88.0 or H01.8 alone, or the lid codes do not match the record. These checks prevent most of them.
- B88.0 or H01.8 sent as if they were billable codes
- B88.01 sent without an eyelid inflammation code
- H01.89 sent when the record names the lids
- An old favorites list in the EHR that was not updated
Our ophthalmology medical coding services update code lists each October so retired codes stop reaching claims.