ICD-10 Code H10.3 – Unspecified acute conjunctivitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H10.3 – Unspecified acute conjunctivitis
What it is
H10.3 identifies an acute inflammation of the conjunctiva when the provider does not specify the cause or type. Use it for a new, short-term conjunctivitis diagnosis with limited detail in the documentation.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include red eye, irritation, tearing, discharge, and eyelid crusting. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation when the record does not clearly identify allergic, viral, bacterial, or other conjunctivitis.
When to use this code
Use H10.3 when the chart documents acute conjunctivitis but does not name a specific organism, trigger, or subtype. It also fits when the clinician records conjunctivitis as unspecified and no more precise diagnosis is supported.
If later documentation clarifies the cause, code the more specific form instead. Check documentation for laterality, etiology, or chronicity before final coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for allergic, chronic, or blepharoconjunctivitis cases. Also avoid it when the note clearly identifies viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.
Coding tip
Query for specificity when the record says only “conjunctivitis,” because a more detailed code may be available.