ICD-10 Code H05.01 – Cellulitis of orbit (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H05.01 – Cellulitis of orbit
What it is
H05.01 identifies cellulitis involving the orbit, the tissues behind the eye. Use it when documentation shows a bacterial infection of the orbital soft tissues, not just eyelid inflammation.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include painful eye movement, eyelid swelling, redness, and proptosis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of orbital involvement versus a superficial eye or lid infection.
When to use this code
Use H05.01 when the provider documents orbital cellulitis, periorbital infection with orbital extension, or similar wording indicating infection within the orbit. Code it from the confirmed diagnosis, not from nonspecific eye redness alone. Check documentation if the record does not clearly distinguish orbital from preseptal disease.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for simple conjunctivitis, eyelid cellulitis without orbital involvement, or nonspecific swelling around the eye. If the note only says “eye infection,” check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that the provider documents orbital involvement, because preseptal and orbital infections are coded differently.