2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H28Cataract in diseases classified elsewhere
ICD-10-CM Codes›H00–H59›H25-H28›H28
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Chronic Condition
H28 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cataract in diseases classified elsewhere. 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. The code is a manifestation code that cannot be reported as the principal diagnosis. Coders also document this condition as cataract due to degenerative disorder. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Cataract and other lens disorders.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Code EditsBilling
Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for H28.
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Cataract due to degenerative disorder
- Cataract due to dehydration
- Cataract due to idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
- Cataract due to pseudohypoparathyroidism
- Cataract due to undernutrition
- Cataract in systemic disorders
- Hyperferritinemia cataract syndrome
- Polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, cataract syndrome
- Tetanic cataract
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code First
- underlying disease, such as:
- hypoparathyroidism E20
- myotonia G71.1
- myxedema E03
- protein-calorie malnutrition E40 E46
Type 1 Excludes
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
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.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Clinical InformationClinical
Tetanic Cataract
a cataract resulting from hypocalcemia.
Patient EducationClinical
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.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert H28 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About H28Overview
Is H28 (Cataract in diseases classified elsewhere) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report cataract in diseases classified elsewhere on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does H28 group to?
On inpatient claims, cataract in diseases classified elsewhere maps to MS-DRG 124, 125, with relative weights from 0.7678 to 1.3231 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Can H28 be a principal diagnosis?
No. This is a manifestation code: cataract in diseases classified elsewhere describes the manifestation of an underlying disease rather than the disease itself, so the underlying condition is sequenced first.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of H28?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, cataract in diseases classified elsewhere converts to ICD-9-CM 366.44 (cataract w syndrome NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:
- The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
- The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.
