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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE10.3491

E10.3491

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E10.3491 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (right eye).

Key Diagnostic Point:

E10.3491 refers to a specific condition in which a patient has Type 1 diabetes mellitus accompanied by severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in the right eye, without the presence of macular edema. 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 chronic hyperglycemia and associated metabolic disturbances. In severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, patients may experience significant retinal changes, including retinal hemorrhages, exudates, and cotton wool spots, but without the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization) or macular edema, which can lead to vision loss. Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels is crucial, as maintaining levels below 7% can help prevent or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Insulin management is essential for controlling blood glucose levels, and patients may require multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. This code emphasizes the importance of careful documentation of the eye condition and the diabetes management plan to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the eye affected (right eye)
  • Differentiation between nonproliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy
  • Exclusion of macular edema
  • Need for detailed documentation of diabetes management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of eye examination findings
  • Failure to specify the eye affected
  • Incorrect coding of diabetic retinopathy severity
  • Lack of HbA1c documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed eye examination findings, including retinal imaging results and visual acuity assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with blurred vision, floaters, or routine diabetic eye exams.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the absence of macular edema and the severity of retinopathy.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive diabetes management plan, including insulin regimen and HbA1c levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes or those experiencing complications.

Billing Considerations

Document all aspects of diabetes management, including lifestyle modifications and medication adherence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E10.3491 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis
  • Include specific details about the severity of retinopathy and the absence of macular edema
  • Ensure that the diabetes type is clearly documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E10.3491 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92014CPT Code

Ophthalmological examination, comprehensive, established patient

Clinical Scenario

Used during routine eye exams for diabetic retinopathy assessment.

Documentation Requirements

Document visual acuity, fundoscopic findings, and any treatment recommendations.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should ensure detailed documentation of retinal findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding diabetic complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. E10.3491 provides detailed information about the patient's condition, which is essential for effective management and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding diabetic complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. E10.3491 provides detailed information about the patient's condition, which is essential for effective management and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. E10.3491 provides detailed information about the patient's condition, which is essential for effective management and treatment planning.

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 diagnosis coding, as treatment and management may differ based on the eye involved. It also helps in tracking the progression of diabetic retinopathy.