2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.053Retinal neovascularization, unspecified, bilateral

ICD-10-CM Codes›H00–H59›H30-H36›H35

ICD-10-CM H35.053
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

H35.053 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for retinal neovascularization, unspecified, 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 retinal neovascularization. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Retinal and vitreous conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
H35.053
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Retinal neovascularization, unspecified, bilateral
Short Description
Retinal neovascularization, unspecified, bilateral
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
H35.05
Retinal neovascularization, unspecified

Code Classification

ChapterH00–H59Diseases of the eye and adnexa
SectionH30-H36Disorders of choroid and retina
CategoryH35Other retinal disorders
This CodeH35.053Retinal neovascularization, unspecified, bilateral

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Bilateral retinal neovascularization
  • Neovascularization of left retina
  • Neovascularization of right retina

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR EYE005
Retinal and vitreous conditions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Retinal Neovascularization

    formation of new blood vessels originating from the retinal veins and extending along the inner (vitreal) surface of the retina.

Patient EducationClinical

Retinal Disorders

The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain. In the center of this nerve tissue is the macula. It provides the sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving and seeing fine detail.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert H35.053 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
362.16 Retinal neovascular 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 H35.053Overview

Is H35.053 (Retinal neovascularization, unspecified) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does H35.053 group to?

When retinal neovascularization, unspecified, 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 H35.053?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, retinal neovascularization, unspecified, bilateral converts to ICD-9-CM 362.16 (retinal neovascular NOS). 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.