ICD-10 Code H35.50 – Unspecified hereditary retinal dystrophy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.50 – Unspecified hereditary retinal dystrophy
What it is
H35.50 identifies a hereditary retinal dystrophy when the specific inherited retinal disorder is not documented. It signals a genetic degeneration of the retina, but the exact subtype is unspecified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings in hereditary retinal dystrophy include progressive visual loss, night blindness, peripheral field constriction, or abnormal retinal examination.
When to use this code
Use H35.50 when the record confirms a hereditary retinal dystrophy but does not name a more specific diagnosis. It is appropriate for initial evaluations, referral notes, or problem lists with incomplete subtype documentation. If the chart identifies a specific inherited retinal dystrophy, code that condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acquired retinal disease, nonspecific visual complaints, or retinal findings without hereditary documentation. Check documentation if the provider names a more specific dystrophy or syndrome.
Coding tip
Code the documented subtype whenever possible; reserve H35.50 for cases where the hereditary retinal dystrophy is confirmed but not further specified.