2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z98.42Cataract extraction status, left eye

ICD-10-CM Codes›Z00–Z99›Z77-Z99›Z98

ICD-10-CM Z98.42
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Z98.42 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cataract extraction status, left eye. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The code is not accepted as a principal diagnosis by the Medicare Code Editor and exempt from POA reporting. Coders also document this condition as history of bilateral cataract extraction. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Implant, device or graft related encounter.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Z98.42
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Cataract extraction status, left eye
Short Description
Cataract extraction status, left eye
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Z98.4
Cataract extraction status

Code Classification

ChapterZ00–Z99Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
SectionZ77-Z99Persons with potential health hazards related to family and personal history and certain conditions influencing health status
CategoryZ98Other postprocedural states
This CodeZ98.42Cataract extraction status, left eye

Code EditsBilling

Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for Z98.42.

Unacceptable principal diagnosis
There are selected codes that describe a circumstance which influences an individual's health status but not a current illness or injury, or codes that are not specific manifestations but may be due to an underlying cause. These codes are considered unacceptable as a principal diagnosis.

Present on Admission (POA)Billing

Z98.42 is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • History of bilateral cataract extraction
  • History of cataract extraction
  • History of left cataract extraction
  • History of right cataract extraction

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR FAC009
Implant, device or graft related encounter
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient Yes

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 Z98.42 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
V45.61 Cataract extract status
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 Z98.42Overview

Is Z98.42 (Cataract extraction status) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report cataract extraction status, left eye on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Can Z98.42 be a principal diagnosis?

No. The Medicare Code Editor rejects this code as a principal diagnosis because cataract extraction status, left eye describes a circumstance that influences health status rather than a current illness. Report it as a secondary diagnosis.

Is Z98.42 exempt from POA reporting?

Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for cataract extraction status, left eye on inpatient claims.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of Z98.42?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, cataract extraction status, left eye converts to ICD-9-CM V45.61 (cataract extract status). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.