ICD-10 Code E09.349 – Drug or chemical induced diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E09.349 – Drug or chemical induced diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
What it is
This code identifies diabetes caused by a drug or chemical exposure, with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in the eye and no macular edema. Use it when the record links the diabetes to an external substance.
Clinical signs
Documentation may note retinal hemorrhages, venous changes, or other severe nonproliferative retinopathy findings. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm that macular edema is not present.
When to use this code
Use E09.349 when the provider documents drug- or chemical-induced diabetes and specifies severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema. Code it when the eye complication is clearly tied to that diabetes type.
If the chart names the causative agent, the diabetes type, and the retinopathy severity, this code is appropriate. Check documentation if the retinopathy stage or macular status is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for diabetes not caused by a drug or chemical, or when macular edema is documented. Do not assign it if retinopathy severity is unspecified.
Coding tip
Verify both the drug-induced diabetes etiology and the exact eye finding before coding.