ICD-10 Code E10.321 – Type 1 diabetes mellitus with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E10.321 – Type 1 diabetes mellitus with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
What it is
This code identifies type 1 diabetes complicated by mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema in the same eye or both eyes, depending on documentation. Use it when the record clearly links the eye disease to diabetes.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include retinal microaneurysms, small hemorrhages, or hard exudates, with swelling in the macula. Vision may be blurred or unchanged; refer to documentation for laterality and ophthalmology findings.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents type 1 diabetes with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. It is appropriate for ophthalmology, endocrinology, or primary care notes that confirm the diabetic eye complication. Check documentation if the retinopathy severity or macular edema is not stated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for diabetic retinopathy without macular edema, or for non-diabetic retinal disease. Do not assign it if the record only says “diabetic eye changes” or the diabetes type is not documented.
Coding tip
Confirm both the diabetes type and the exact eye complication before coding, and verify any laterality or additional retinopathy details in the note.