ICD-10 Code E11.349 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E11.349 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
What it is
This code identifies type 2 diabetes with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy affecting the retina, but without macular edema. Use it when the record documents advanced diabetic retinal damage and no swelling in the macula.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy may include widespread retinal hemorrhages, venous changes, and intraretinal abnormalities, while macular edema is specifically absent.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents type 2 diabetes and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema. It fits ophthalmology or diabetes notes that clearly link the retinal findings to diabetes. If the chart only says diabetic retinopathy, check documentation for severity and macular status.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if macular edema is present or if the retinopathy severity is not documented as severe. Check documentation when the record instead describes proliferative disease or another diabetic eye complication.
Coding tip
Confirm both the diabetes type and the exact eye finding; the code depends on documented severity and the absence of macular edema.