ICD-10 Code E08.39 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic ophthalmic complication (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E08.39 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic ophthalmic complication
What it is
This code identifies diabetes caused by another underlying condition, with an eye-related diabetic complication not named elsewhere. Use it when the record links the diabetes to a non-diabetic primary disease and documents an ophthalmic complication.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see diabetic eye disease such as retinal or ocular involvement, but the specific complication must be recorded in the chart.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents diabetes due to an underlying condition and also notes another diabetic ophthalmic complication. It fits cases where the eye finding is diabetes-related but does not match a more specific E08 ophthalmic code. Confirm the underlying condition and the eye complication are both clearly documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for primary diabetes mellitus or for eye disorders not documented as diabetic. If the ophthalmic complication is specified elsewhere, check documentation and code the more precise option.
Coding tip
Verify both the underlying cause and the exact eye complication before assigning E08.39.