Optic neuritis (H46) ICD-10-CM
The H46 code range covers optic neuritis with 15 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 12 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Codes in the H46 Range 15 codes · 12 billable
- H46 Optic neuritisNon-billable
- H46.0 Optic papillitisNon-billable
- H46.00 Optic papillitis, unspecified eye
- H46.01 Optic papillitis, right eye
- H46.02 Optic papillitis, left eye
- H46.03 Optic papillitis, bilateral
- H46.1 Retrobulbar neuritisNon-billable
- H46.10 Retrobulbar neuritis, unspecified eye
- H46.11 Retrobulbar neuritis, right eye
- H46.12 Retrobulbar neuritis, left eye
- H46.13 Retrobulbar neuritis, bilateral
- H46.2 Nutritional optic neuropathy
- H46.3 Toxic optic neuropathy
- H46.8 Other optic neuritis
- H46.9 Unspecified optic neuritis
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the H46 range.
Optic Neuritis
Inflammation of the optic nerve. Commonly associated conditions include autoimmune disorders such as MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, infections, and granulomatous diseases. Clinical features include retro-orbital pain that is aggravated by eye movement, loss of color vision, and contrast sensitivity that may progress to severe visual loss, an afferent pupillary defect (Marcus-Gunn pupil), and in some instances optic disc hyperemia and swelling. Inflammation may occur in the portion of the nerve within the globe (neuropapillitis or anterior optic neuritis) or the portion behind the globe (retrobulbar neuritis or posterior optic neuritis).
Papilledema
Swelling of the OPTIC DISK, usually in association with increased intracranial pressure, characterized by hyperemia, blurring of the disk margins, microhemorrhages, blind spot enlargement, and engorgement of retinal veins. Chronic papilledema may cause OPTIC ATROPHY and visual loss. (Miller et al., Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology, 4th ed, p175)
Toxic Optic Neuropathy
Damage to the eye or its function (e.g., VISUAL IMPAIRMENT) due to OPTIC NERVE damage secondary to toxic substances such as drugs used in CHEMOTHERAPY; IMMUNOTHERAPY; or RADIATION.
About the H46 Code Range
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. The inflammation can occur in the part of the nerve within the eye or behind it.
H46.0 identifies optic papillitis, while H46.1 identifies retrobulbar neuritis, which affects the nerve behind the eye. Both subdivide by right eye, left eye, both eyes, or unspecified eye.
Other subdivisions identify nutritional optic neuropathy, toxic optic neuropathy, other optic neuritis, and unspecified optic neuritis.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the H46 range?
Of the 15 codes in this range, 12 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the H46 range classify?
The range classifies optic neuritis. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
