2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H15.003Unspecified scleritis, bilateral

ICD-10-CM Codes›H00–H59›H15-H22›H15

ICD-10-CM H15.003
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

H15.003 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified scleritis, bilateral. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 124 through 125. Coders also document this condition as bilateral scleritis of eyes. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Cornea and external disease and Uveitis and ocular inflammation.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
H15.003
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Unspecified scleritis, bilateral
Short Description
Unspecified scleritis, bilateral
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
H15.00
Unspecified scleritis

Code Classification

ChapterH00–H59Diseases of the eye and adnexa
SectionH15-H22Disorders of sclera, cornea, iris and ciliary body
CategoryH15Disorders of sclera
This CodeH15.003Unspecified scleritis, bilateral

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Bilateral scleritis of eyes

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR EYE001
Cornea and external disease
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes
CCSR EYE004
Uveitis and ocular inflammation
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient No

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Scleritis

    refers to any inflammation of the sclera including episcleritis, a benign condition affecting only the episclera, which is generally short-lived and easily treated. classic scleritis, on the other hand, affects deeper tissue and is characterized by higher rates of visual acuity loss and even mortality, particularly in necrotizing form. its characteristic symptom is severe and general head pain. scleritis has also been associated with systemic collagen disease. etiology is unknown but is thought to involve a local immune response. treatment is difficult and includes administration of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids. inflammation of the sclera may also be secondary to inflammation of adjacent tissues, such as the conjunctiva.

  • Bulbar Conjunctivitis|Episcleritis|Episcleritis

    inflammation of the thin layer of tissue lining the sclera of the eye characterized by redness in the white portion of the eye.

  • Scleritis

    inflammation of the sclera.

Patient EducationClinical

Eye Diseases

Even if your eyes feel healthy, you could have a problem and not know it. That's why regular eye exams are so important. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. But some eye conditions or diseases don't have any symptoms and can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

The full article covers:

  • What diseases can affect the eye?
  • What are the symptoms of eye diseases?
  • Who is more likely to develop eye diseases?
  • What are the treatments for eye diseases?
  • Can eye diseases be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert H15.003 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
379.00 Scleritis NOS
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About H15.003Overview

Is H15.003 (Unspecified scleritis) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report unspecified scleritis, bilateral on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does H15.003 group to?

When unspecified scleritis, bilateral is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 124, 125, with relative weights from 0.7678 to 1.3231 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of H15.003?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, unspecified scleritis, bilateral converts to ICD-9-CM 379.00 (scleritis NOS). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.