ICD-10 Code H40.042 – Steroid responder, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H40.042 – Steroid responder, left eye
What it is
H40.042 identifies a left eye that develops an abnormal pressure response after steroid exposure. Use it when documentation states steroid responder or steroid-induced ocular hypertension in the left eye.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you may see elevated intraocular pressure after corticosteroid use, with or without symptoms, and findings consistent with ocular hypertension in the affected eye.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a steroid response limited to the left eye. It applies to cases where the elevated pressure is attributed to steroid therapy or steroid exposure and laterality is specified.
If the record only says steroid response without eye laterality, check documentation before coding. Use the most specific laterality available in the chart.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for glaucoma without a documented steroid response. Do not assign it when the right eye, both eyes, or unspecified eye is documented instead.
Coding tip
Confirm both the steroid-related cause and left-eye laterality in the provider note before selecting H40.042.