ICD-10 Code H46.00 – Optic papillitis, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H46.00 – Optic papillitis, unspecified eye
What it is
H46.00 identifies optic papillitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the optic disc of an unspecified eye. Use it when the chart documents optic nerve head inflammation but does not specify laterality.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include decreased visual acuity, color vision changes, and optic disc swelling on examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents optic papillitis and the affected eye is not identified. It also fits when the note confirms optic disc inflammation without further detail. If laterality is stated, choose the more specific code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use it for optic neuritis without papillitis, or for a clearly documented right or left eye. Check documentation when the diagnosis is uncertain or when another optic nerve disorder is recorded.
Coding tip
Query for laterality whenever the record says only “optic papillitis” to avoid defaulting to the unspecified-eye code.