ICD-10 Code H34.81 – Central retinal vein occlusion (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H34.81 – Central retinal vein occlusion
What it is
H34.81 identifies central retinal vein occlusion, a blockage of the main vein draining the retina. It is used when the provider documents this specific retinal vascular event.
Clinical signs
Common findings include sudden painless vision loss, blurred vision, or visual field defect. Funduscopic changes may show retinal hemorrhages, venous dilation, and optic disc swelling; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H34.81 when the record clearly states central retinal vein occlusion or an equivalent diagnosis. Code it for encounters focused on confirmed retinal vein obstruction, including ophthalmology evaluation and follow-up care. If the note only says retinal vascular disorder, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for branch retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusion, or nonspecific visual complaints without a documented diagnosis. Check documentation if the provider describes another retinal vascular condition.
Coding tip
Confirm laterality and any documented complication details in the chart before finalizing the code.