ICD-10 Code H16.9 – Unspecified Keratitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.9 – Unspecified keratitis
What it is
H16.9 identifies keratitis when the cornea is inflamed but the specific type is not documented. Use it for a general corneal inflammation diagnosis without further detail.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, but you should code only what is recorded.
When to use this code
Use H16.9 when the provider documents keratitis without naming an infectious, allergic, ulcerative, or other specific form. It also fits when the record confirms corneal inflammation but does not support a more precise code.
If later documentation identifies a specific keratitis type, you should code the more specific diagnosis instead. Check documentation for laterality, cause, or associated corneal ulceration before selecting this unspecified code.
Do not use for
Do not use H16.9 when the chart clearly identifies a specific keratitis subtype or a corneal ulcer. Also avoid it if the condition documented is a different eye disorder.
Coding tip
When the note is vague, query for the exact keratitis type before defaulting to H16.9.