2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H15.1

Episcleritis

ICD-10-CM Code:
H15.1
ICD-10 Code for:
Episcleritis
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

H15.1 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of episcleritis. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Episcleritis

Non-specific codes like H15.1 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for episcleritis:

  • H15.10 for Unspecified episcleritis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.101 for Unspecified episcleritis, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.102 for Unspecified episcleritis, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.103 for Unspecified episcleritis, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.109 for Unspecified episcleritis, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • H15.11 for Episcleritis periodica fugax - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.111 for Episcleritis periodica fugax, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.112 for Episcleritis periodica fugax, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.113 for Episcleritis periodica fugax, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.119 for Episcleritis periodica fugax, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • H15.12 for Nodular episcleritis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.121 for Nodular episcleritis, right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.122 for Nodular episcleritis, left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.123 for Nodular episcleritis, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H15.129 for Nodular episcleritis, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the eye and adnexa
    H00–H59
    • Disorders of sclera, cornea, iris and ciliary body
      H15-H22
      • Disorders of sclera
        H15

Patient Education


Eye Diseases

What diseases can affect the eye?

Even if your eyes feel healthy, you could have a problem and not know it. That's why regular eye exams are so important. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. But some eye conditions or diseases don't have any symptoms and can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

Some common eye diseases and conditions include:

  • Cataracts, which happens when the clear lens in the front of your eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts are common as you get older and can lead to vision loss.
  • Optic nerve disorders, which includes glaucoma. Glaucoma usually happens when the fluid pressure inside your eyes slowly rises.
  • Retinal disorders, which are problems with the nerve layer at the back of your eye.
  • Macular degeneration, which is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision.
  • Diabetic eye problems, which can cause vision loss and blindness.
  • Conjunctivitis, which is an infection also known as pink eye. It can cause pink or red itchy eyes. Some types of pink eye can spread very easily.

What are the symptoms of eye diseases?

Some eye conditions and diseases do not always have symptoms. Early detection through a comprehensive dilated eye exam could help your eye care provider detect diseases in the early stages. Proper treatment could help slow or prevent vision loss.

Get regular eye exams and call your eye care professional right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • A sudden change in vision
  • Everything looks dim
  • Flashes of light
  • Eye pain
  • Double vision
  • Fluid coming from your eye
  • Inflammation (swelling)

Who is more likely to develop eye diseases?

Getting older increases your risk of some eye diseases. Other things that may put you at a higher risk of some eye diseases can include if you:

  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have a family history of eye disease
  • Are African American, Hispanic, or Native American
  • Have certain health conditions such as Diabetic eye problems, or high blood pressure

What are the treatments for eye diseases?

Treatment may depend on the eye condition or disease but can include:

  • A new prescription for eyeglasses or contacts
  • Use of bright lights or magnifying lenses for reading and other activities
  • Medicines
  • Prescription eye drops or ointments
  • Laser treatment
  • Surgery

Depending on your eye condition or disease, treatment may slow vision loss but may not restore vision. Talk to your provider about what treatment is best for you.

Can eye diseases be prevented?

Your best defense is to have regular checkups. Be sure to tell your provider if any eye diseases run in your family.

You can also help take care of your vision by making lifestyle changes to lower your risk of health conditions that can cause vision problems. This could include by:

  • Protecting your eyes from the sun
  • Wearing protective eyewear while using tools or playing certain sports
  • Getting regular physical activity
  • Staying at a healthy weight
  • Quitting smoking (or not starting)
  • Eating a healthy diet

NIH: National Eye Institute


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.