ICD-10 Code E08.349 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E08.349 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
What it is
This code identifies diabetes caused by another underlying condition, with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eyes or an eye, and no macular edema. Use it when the record links the diabetes to a secondary cause and documents this retinal complication.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy typically shows extensive retinal hemorrhages, venous changes, and intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, without neovascularization. The chart should also confirm absence of macular edema.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents diabetes due to another condition and specifically states severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema. It applies whether the eye finding is newly diagnosed or being followed. Make sure the underlying cause of the diabetes is documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the retinopathy is proliferative, if macular edema is present, or if the diabetes is not due to an underlying condition. Check documentation when the eye stage or diabetes type is unclear.
Coding tip
Verify both the secondary diabetes etiology and the exact retinopathy stage before assigning E08.349.