ICD-10 Code H35.049 – Retinal micro-aneurysms, unspecified, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.049 – Retinal micro-aneurysms, unspecified, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies retinal micro-aneurysms when the eye is not specified. Micro-aneurysms are tiny outpouchings of retinal blood vessels, often noted on eye examination or imaging.
Clinical signs
Findings may include small red retinal dots, retinal hemorrhages, or associated diabetic retinopathy changes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H35.049 when the provider documents retinal micro-aneurysms but does not identify the right or left eye. It also fits when the note confirms the lesion but gives no laterality. If the record specifies a more detailed retinal disorder, code that documented condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for generalized diabetic retinopathy without explicit mention of micro-aneurysms. Do not use it when laterality is documented and a more specific code is available.
Coding tip
Check the ophthalmology note for laterality and any linked retinal diagnosis before assigning this unspecified-eye code.