ICD-10 Code H04.4 – Chronic inflammation of lacrimal passages (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H04.4 – Chronic inflammation of lacrimal passages
What it is
H04.4 identifies chronic inflammation affecting the lacrimal drainage passages, which carry tears from the eye to the nose. Use it when documentation states a persistent inflammatory disorder of these tear ducts.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ongoing tearing, recurrent discharge, or tenderness along the tear drainage pathway. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific site and chronicity.
When to use this code
Use H04.4 when the provider documents chronic inflammation of the lacrimal passages, including chronic dacryocystitis or similar wording tied to the drainage system. Code it when the condition is clearly chronic and not described as acute or unspecified. Check documentation if laterality or a more specific lacrimal disorder is recorded.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute lacrimal infections, simple tearing without inflammation, or obstruction alone. If the note does not clearly support chronic inflammation, check documentation.
Coding tip
Match the provider’s exact wording and avoid coding from symptoms alone when a specific lacrimal diagnosis is not documented.