ICD-10 Code H16.05 – Mooren’s corneal ulcer (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.05 – Mooren’s corneal ulcer
What it is
H16.05 identifies Mooren’s corneal ulcer, a painful peripheral corneal ulceration. Use it when documentation specifically names this immune-mediated corneal disorder.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a peripheral corneal ulcer with severe pain, redness, tearing, and photophobia. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H16.05 when the ophthalmology note documents Mooren’s corneal ulcer or a matching diagnosis. It is appropriate for confirmed corneal ulceration described as Mooren’s disease, including unilateral or bilateral cases if specified.
Do not assign it for nonspecific keratitis, corneal abrasion, or ulceration from infection, trauma, or contact lens injury unless the record clearly states Mooren’s corneal ulcer. Check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use H16.05 for other corneal ulcers with a known infectious, traumatic, or degenerative cause. It is also wrong for vague “eye pain” or “corneal inflammation” without a documented Mooren’s ulcer diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider explicitly documents Mooren’s corneal ulcer; if the etiology is unclear, query the record.