ICD-10 Code H04.22 – Epiphora due to insufficient drainage (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H04.22 – Epiphora due to insufficient drainage
What it is
H04.22 identifies tearing caused by poor tear drainage, not excess tear production. Use it when tears overflow because the lacrimal drainage pathway is blocked or functioning poorly.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include persistent watery eyes, tear overflow onto the cheek, and possible tearing that worsens outdoors or with irritation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents epiphora due to insufficient drainage, lacrimal outflow obstruction, or similar wording. It fits cases where tearing is attributed to drainage failure rather than allergy, infection, or reflex tearing. Check documentation if the cause is not clearly stated.
Do not use for
Do not use H04.22 for tearing from overproduction, such as irritation or allergy, unless insufficient drainage is specifically documented. If the note does not identify the mechanism, check documentation.
Coding tip
Match the code to the documented cause of tearing, and avoid assuming drainage problems when the record only says “epiphora.”