ICD-10 Code H11.00 – Unspecified pterygium of eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H11.00 – Unspecified pterygium of eye
What it is
H11.00 identifies a pterygium of the eye when the chart does not specify the eye or laterality. It is a benign conjunctival growth that can extend toward the cornea.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a fleshy, triangular conjunctival lesion, usually on the nasal side, with possible redness, irritation, or foreign-body sensation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H11.00 when the provider documents pterygium but does not state whether it is right, left, or bilateral. It also fits when the note says “unspecified pterygium” or lacks enough detail to assign a more specific code.
If laterality is documented elsewhere in the record, code the specified option instead. Check documentation for any mention of recurrence, extent, or associated corneal involvement if a different code may be supported.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pinguecula, conjunctivitis, or other conjunctival lesions. Do not assign it when the record clearly identifies a different eye or a more specific pterygium code.
Coding tip
Query for laterality whenever the note simply says pterygium, because unspecified coding should be a last resort.