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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code H33
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H33

Retinal detachments and breaks

ICD-10-CM Code:
H33
ICD-10 Code for:
Retinal detachments and breaks
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the eye and adnexa
    (H00–H59)
    • Disorders of choroid and retina
      (H30-H36)
      • Retinal detachments and breaks
        (H33)

H33 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of retinal detachments and breaks. 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 Retinal detachments and breaks

Non-specific codes like H33 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 retinal detachments and breaks:

  • H33.0 for Retinal detachment with retinal break - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.00 for Unspecified retinal detachment with retinal break - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.01 for Retinal detachment with single break - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.02 for Retinal detachment with multiple breaks - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.03 for Retinal detachment with giant retinal tear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.04 for Retinal detachment with retinal dialysis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.05 for Total retinal detachment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.1 for Retinoschisis and retinal cysts - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.10 for Unspecified retinoschisis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.11 for Cyst of ora serrata - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.12 for Parasitic cyst of retina - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.19 for Other retinoschisis and retinal cysts - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.2 for Serous retinal detachment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.20 for Serous retinal detachment, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.21 for Serous retinal detachment, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.22 for Serous retinal detachment, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.23 for Serous retinal detachment, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.3 for Retinal breaks without detachment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.30 for Unspecified retinal break - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.31 for Horseshoe tear of retina without detachment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.32 for Round hole of retina without detachment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.33 for Multiple defects of retina without detachment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H33.4 for Traction detachment of retina - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.40 for Traction detachment of retina, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.41 for Traction detachment of retina, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.42 for Traction detachment of retina, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.43 for Traction detachment of retina, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H33.8 for Other retinal detachments - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

Patient Education


Retinal Detachment

The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain. It provides the sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving, and seeing fine detail. A retinal detachment lifts or pulls the retina from its normal position. It can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over age 40. It affects men more than women and whites more than African Americans. A retinal detachment is also more likely to occur in people who:

  • Are extremely nearsighted
  • Have had a retinal detachment in the other eye
  • Have a family history of retinal detachment
  • Have had cataract surgery
  • Have other eye diseases or disorders
  • Have had an eye injury

Symptoms include an increase in the number of floaters, which are little "cobwebs" or specks that float about in your field of vision, and/or light flashes in the eye. It may also seem like there is a "curtain" over your field of vision.

A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If not promptly treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. If you have any symptoms, see an eye care professional immediately. Treatment includes different types of surgery.

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.