Retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhere (H36) ICD-10-CM
The H36 code range covers retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhere with 13 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 9 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Code First
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.
Type 1 Excludes
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.
Codes in the H36 Range 13 codes · 9 billable
- H36 Retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhereNon-billable
- H36.8 Other retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhereNon-billable
- H36.81 Nonproliferative sickle-cell retinopathyNon-billable
- H36.811 Nonproliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, right eye
- H36.812 Nonproliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, left eye
- H36.813 Nonproliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, bilateral
- H36.819 Nonproliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, unspecified eye
- H36.82 Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathyNon-billable
- H36.821 Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, right eye
- H36.822 Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, left eye
- H36.823 Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, bilateral
- H36.829 Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, unspecified eye
- H36.89 Other retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhere
About the H36 Code Range
The ICD-10 code section H36 covers retinal disorders associated with diseases classified elsewhere, primarily capturing retinal complications linked to systemic conditions rather than primary eye diseases.
This section includes codes for specific retinal changes seen in sickle-cell disease, distinguishing between nonproliferative (H36.81–H36.819) and proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy (H36.82–H36.829), and specifying laterality (right, left, bilateral, or unspecified eye). Terms like “sickle cell retinopathy” and “nonproliferative sickle cell retinopathy” correspond specifically to these codes, helping coders identify the correct code when these common synonyms appear in clinical documentation. Additionally, H36.89 captures other retinal disorders occurring as complications of systemic diseases, such as retinal dystrophies related to metabolic or infectious diseases, including paraneoplastic retinopathy, Epstein-Barr virus retinal infection, and HIV-associated retinopathy. This code section aids clinicians and coders in documenting retinal abnormalities specifically linked to systemic illnesses rather than standalone eye conditions, ensuring accurate classification of retinal manifestations secondary to other disease processes.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the H36 range?
Of the 13 codes in this range, 9 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the H36 range classify?
The range classifies retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhere. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
