Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H26.4

Secondary cataract

ICD-10-CM Code:
H26.4
ICD-10 Code for:
Secondary cataract
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

H26.4 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of secondary cataract. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Secondary cataract

Non-specific codes like H26.4 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for secondary cataract:

  • Use H26.40 for Unspecified secondary cataract - BILLABLE CODE

  • H26.41 for Soemmering's ring - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.411 for Soemmering's ring, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.412 for Soemmering's ring, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.413 for Soemmering's ring, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.419 for Soemmering's ring, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • H26.49 for Other secondary cataract - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.491 for Other secondary cataract, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.492 for Other secondary cataract, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.493 for Other secondary cataract, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H26.499 for Other secondary cataract, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Capsule Opacification

    clouding or loss of transparency of the posterior lens capsule, usually following cataract extraction.
  • Cataract

    partial or complete opacity on or in the lens or capsule of one or both eyes, impairing vision or causing blindness. the many kinds of cataract are classified by their morphology (size, shape, location) or etiology (cause and time of occurrence). (dorland, 27th ed)
  • Cataract Extraction

    the removal of a cataractous crystalline lens from the eye.

Patient Education


Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. It affects your vision. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Common symptoms are:

  • Blurry vision
  • Colors that seem faded
  • Glare - headlights, lamps or sunlight may seem too bright. You may also see a halo around lights.
  • Not being able to see well at night
  • Double vision
  • Frequent prescription changes in your eye wear

Cataracts usually develop slowly. New glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses can help at first. Surgery is also an option. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts.

NIH: National Eye Institute


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.