ICD-10 Code E13.35 – Other specified diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E13.35 – Other specified diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
What it is
This code identifies diabetes mellitus from another specified cause, with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Use it when the record shows diabetic eye disease with abnormal retinal vessel growth and the diabetes type is documented as other specified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include retinal neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, or prior laser treatment noted in ophthalmology records.
When to use this code
Use E13.35 when the provider documents other specified diabetes mellitus and confirms proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It fits ophthalmology, endocrinology, or primary care notes that clearly link the retinal complication to the diabetes type.
Choose this code when the chart does not support type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, but does support diabetic retinopathy with proliferation. Check documentation if the diabetes category or retinopathy stage is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, unspecified diabetic retinopathy, or eye disease not documented as diabetic. Do not assume the “other specified” diabetes category without provider support.
Coding tip
Confirm both the diabetes category and the proliferative retinopathy stage in the same record before assigning E13.35.