ICD-10 Code H44.601 – Unspecified retained (old) intraocular foreign body, magnetic, right eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.601 – Unspecified retained (old) intraocular foreign body, magnetic, right eye
What it is
This code identifies an old, retained foreign body inside the right eye that is magnetic, but not otherwise specified. Use it when documentation confirms the object remains in the eye and the record does not provide more detail.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a known history of ocular penetration or prior foreign body injury with persistent intraocular material. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, chronicity, and whether the foreign body is still present.
When to use this code
Use H44.601 when the provider documents a retained old intraocular foreign body in the right eye and identifies it as magnetic. This is appropriate when the chart does not specify a more exact retained foreign body code.
Code from the ophthalmology note, imaging report, or operative history when they confirm the retained object is in the eye. If the documentation is unclear about type, location, or eye, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a corneal or conjunctival foreign body, or for a foreign body that has been removed. Check documentation if the record describes an orbital, eyelid, or external eye foreign body instead.
Coding tip
Verify the right eye, retained status, and magnetic nature in the provider note before coding.