ICD-10 Code H35.01 – Changes in Retinal Vascular Appearance (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.01 – Changes in retinal vascular appearance
What it is
This code identifies abnormal retinal blood vessel appearance seen on eye examination. It is a descriptive finding, not a specific disease diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Findings may include vessel narrowing, dilation, tortuosity, or other visible retinal vascular changes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H35.01 when the provider documents changes in retinal vascular appearance on funduscopic or retinal examination. It fits cases where the vascular change is the recorded finding and no more specific retinal disorder is stated.
If the note names a separate underlying condition, code that diagnosis instead or in addition, as documented. Check documentation when the chart uses vague wording such as “retinal vascular changes.”
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a specific retinal disease, vascular occlusion, or diabetic retinopathy when those are documented. Do not assign it if the record does not clearly describe retinal vascular appearance changes.
Coding tip
Code the documented retinal finding exactly as written, and query for specificity if the provider only notes an abnormal retina without detail.