ICD-10 Code H44.002 – Unspecified purulent endophthalmitis, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.002 – Unspecified purulent endophthalmitis, left eye
What it is
Use this code for a purulent infection inside the left eye when the record does not identify a specific cause or organism. It indicates serious intraocular inflammation with pus.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include painful red eye, decreased vision, and marked intraocular inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Assign H44.002 when the provider documents purulent endophthalmitis in the left eye and does not specify a more exact type. Use it for postoperative, post-traumatic, or endogenous cases only when the chart still identifies the condition as unspecified purulent endophthalmitis. Check documentation if the etiology is stated elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonpurulent endophthalmitis, panophthalmitis, or superficial eye infections. If the right eye, bilateral eyes, or a different organism is documented, code the stated condition instead.
Coding tip
Confirm laterality and whether the provider documented a specific cause before defaulting to H44.002.