ICD-10 Code E11.35 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E11.35 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
What it is
This code identifies type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition caused by diabetes-related retinal damage. Use it when the record documents both the diabetes and the proliferative form of retinopathy.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include abnormal retinal blood vessel growth, retinal hemorrhage, or vision changes noted by an eye specialist.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents type 2 diabetes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, including active or prior proliferative disease linked to diabetes. It applies when the eye condition is clearly attributed to diabetes in the medical record. Check documentation if the retinopathy type is not specified.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for type 1 diabetes or for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. If the chart only states diabetic retinopathy without the proliferative type, verify the record before coding.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider links the retinopathy to type 2 diabetes and specifies proliferative disease before assigning E11.35.