ICD-10 Code E11.34 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E11.34 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
What it is
This code identifies type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Use it when the chart documents diabetic retinal disease without proliferative changes, but with severe involvement.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include diabetic retinal microvascular damage on eye examination, with extensive hemorrhages or vascular changes consistent with severe nonproliferative disease.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents type 2 diabetes and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in the same encounter. It may appear in ophthalmology, primary care, or diabetes follow-up notes when the retinal complication is confirmed.
If the record only mentions diabetic retinopathy without severity, check documentation before assigning this code. Code the documented condition exactly and do not assume proliferative disease or macular edema.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, unspecified diabetic retinopathy, or retinopathy not linked to diabetes. Check documentation if the severity or diabetic relationship is unclear.
Coding tip
Assign E11.34 only when the provider clearly links severe nonproliferative retinopathy to type 2 diabetes.