ICD-10 Code H44.00 – Unspecified purulent endophthalmitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.00 – Unspecified purulent endophthalmitis
What it is
H44.00 identifies purulent endophthalmitis when the affected eye is not further specified. It describes a severe intraocular infection with pus, but the documentation does not name the eye or provide more detail.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include eye pain, redness, decreased vision, and inflammation inside the eye. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact eye involved and whether the infection is postoperative, traumatic, or otherwise described.
When to use this code
Use H44.00 when the record clearly documents purulent endophthalmitis but does not specify laterality or another more precise diagnosis. It is appropriate when the provider confirms intraocular infection and no additional detail is available. Check documentation if the chart suggests a more specific endophthalmitis code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonpurulent or unspecified intraocular inflammation without infection. Also avoid it when the record identifies a specific eye, cause, or other more detailed endophthalmitis code.
Coding tip
Query for laterality and cause if the note only says “endophthalmitis,” because a more specific code may apply.