ICD-10 Code H44.31 – Chalcosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.31 – Chalcosis
What it is
Chalcosis is an eye condition caused by copper deposition in ocular tissues, usually after a retained copper-containing foreign body. You should use this code when documentation identifies chalcosis specifically.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings may include ocular discoloration, inflammation, or visual disturbance when copper has affected the eye.
When to use this code
Use H44.31 when the provider documents chalcosis as the diagnosis, including cases linked to an intraocular copper foreign body. Code it when the record clearly distinguishes this condition from other traumatic or degenerative eye disorders. If the note only says “foreign body in eye,” check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for corneal foreign body, other metallic deposits without chalcosis, or nonspecific eye trauma. If chalcosis is not documented, choose the more specific recorded diagnosis.
Coding tip
Confirm whether the copper source is intraocular or historical, and code chalcosis only when the provider explicitly links the eye findings to copper deposition.