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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE10.3499

E10.3499

Billable

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (unspecified eye)

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 E10.3499 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (unspecified eye).

Key Diagnostic Point:

E10.3499 refers to a specific condition in which a patient has Type 1 diabetes mellitus accompanied by severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without macular edema in an unspecified eye. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, resulting from damage to the retinal blood vessels. In severe NPDR, patients may experience significant retinal changes, including microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots, but without the presence of macular edema, which is a more severe form of retinal damage. This condition can lead to vision impairment if not monitored and managed appropriately. Regular eye examinations and monitoring of HbA1c levels are crucial for managing diabetes and preventing further complications. Insulin management is essential for controlling blood glucose levels, which can help mitigate the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the condition requires detailed documentation.
  • Differentiation between types of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Need for accurate eye examination findings.
  • Understanding of diabetes management and complications.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of eye examination results.
  • Failure to specify the eye affected.
  • Misclassification of the type of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Inconsistent HbA1c levels reported.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of diabetes management, including insulin regimens and HbA1c levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with uncontrolled diabetes and complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of diabetes and any related complications.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough eye examination reports detailing findings of diabetic retinopathy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine eye exams for diabetic patients and management of retinopathy.

Billing Considerations

Document the absence of macular edema clearly to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E10.3499 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, E10
  • 3499 should be used when the patient has Type 1 diabetes with severe NPDR without macular edema
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including eye examination findings and diabetes management details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E10.3499 When
  • Exclusion criteria include any presence of macular edema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92014CPT Code

Ophthalmological examination, established patient

Clinical Scenario

Used during routine eye exams for diabetic patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document findings of eye examination and any changes in management.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should ensure clarity in documenting retinopathy severity.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of diabetes-related complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of diabetes and its complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of diabetes-related complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of diabetes and its complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of diabetes-related complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of diabetes and its complications.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Diabetes Association
  • •
    American Academy of Ophthalmology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Diabetes Association
  • •
    American Academy of Ophthalmology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of specifying the eye affected?

Specifying the eye affected is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning, as it impacts management strategies and potential referrals.

How often should patients with E10.3499 be monitored?

Patients should have regular eye examinations, typically annually, and more frequently if retinopathy is present or if diabetes is poorly controlled.