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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE10.34

E10.34

Billable

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E10.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

E10.34 refers to Type 1 diabetes mellitus characterized by severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). This condition arises when high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment. Severe NPDR is marked by significant retinal changes, including extensive retinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and microaneurysms, which can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy if left untreated. Patients with Type 1 diabetes typically require lifelong insulin therapy to manage their blood glucose levels effectively. The management of diabetes and its complications involves regular monitoring of HbA1c levels, which should ideally be maintained below 7% to reduce the risk of complications. Severe NPDR can lead to vision loss, making early detection and intervention critical. Treatment options may include laser therapy or intravitreal injections, depending on the severity of the retinopathy. Regular eye examinations are essential for patients with diabetes to monitor for any retinal changes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires precise documentation of diabetes type and complications
  • Differentiation between nonproliferative and proliferative retinopathy
  • Management of insulin therapy and HbA1c levels
  • Need for regular updates on patient’s eye health status

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of retinopathy severity
  • Failure to document HbA1c levels
  • Lack of evidence for regular eye examinations
  • Insufficient detail on insulin management

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 such as retinopathy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all diabetes-related complications and treatments.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough retinal examination findings and treatment plans for diabetic retinopathy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing laser treatment for severe NPDR.

Billing Considerations

Document the severity of retinopathy and any interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E10.34 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for diabetes mellitus, ensuring accurate documentation of the type of diabetes and any associated complications
  • Include specific details about the severity of retinopathy and management strategies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E10.34 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

67028CPT Code

Laser photocoagulation

Clinical Scenario

Used for treatment of severe NPDR.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for laser treatment and the extent of retinopathy.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should ensure detailed records of the procedure and patient consent.

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 HbA1c levels in coding E10.34?

HbA1c levels are crucial for assessing the control of diabetes and the risk of complications. Documenting these levels helps justify the severity of the condition and the need for specific treatments.

How often should patients with E10.34 have eye exams?

Patients with Type 1 diabetes and severe NPDR should have regular eye exams, typically every 6 to 12 months, to monitor for progression of retinopathy.