ICD-10 Code H44.0 – Purulent Endophthalmitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.0 – Purulent endophthalmitis
What it is
H44.0 identifies purulent endophthalmitis, a serious infection inside the eye with pus-forming inflammation. It is used when documentation states purulent endophthalmitis or an equivalent term.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include marked eye pain, redness, decreased vision, and intraocular inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when the diagnosis is based on exam findings or surgical assessment.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents purulent endophthalmitis as the confirmed diagnosis. It may also apply when the record clearly identifies an intraocular purulent infection affecting the eye. If the note only says suspected infection, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use H44.0 for superficial eye infections, conjunctivitis, or nonpurulent inflammation. Check documentation if the record describes another postoperative or traumatic eye complication without purulent endophthalmitis.
Coding tip
Code only when the diagnosis is explicitly documented; if the wording is unclear, query the provider.