What is the ICD-10 code for macular degeneration?

The ICD-10-CM code for macular degeneration is H35.30 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — H35.30 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for macular degeneration

The ICD-10-CM code for macular degeneration is H35.30 when documented without further specification. Age-related macular degeneration codes to H35.30 within the retinal-degeneration category H35. H35.30 is unspecified macular degeneration; documentation of whether it is nonexudative (dry) or exudative (wet), the stage, and the eye supports a more specific code.

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Symptom code vs. confirmed diagnosis

H35.30 is a confirmed-diagnosis code for documented macular degeneration, not a symptom code, and it is the unspecified option. Documenting the type (nonexudative/dry vs exudative/wet), the stage, and the affected eye moves the coder off the unspecified H35.30.

Which Code Should You Use?

H35.30 ✓ Billable — Unspecified macular degeneration

Unspecified macular degeneration (type, stage, and eye not specified).

What to Document

Whether the macular degeneration is nonexudative (dry) or exudative (wet), which supports a more specific code than the unspecified H35.30.
The stage/severity when documented.
Laterality - right, left, or bilateral eye - when the record specifies it.

Common Documentation Pitfalls

H35.30 is the unspecified option - when the record documents dry versus wet macular degeneration and the eye, a more specific code applies.
Macular degeneration is distinct from other retinal findings such as background retinopathy (H35.0-) - do not code by category proximity.

Also Known As

Official ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index terms that point to H35.30:

Degeneration, degenerative › macula, macular (acquired) (age-related) (senile)

Coding Notes

H35.30 is unspecified macular degeneration. The record usually supports a more specific code once the type (nonexudative/dry vs exudative/wet), stage, and affected eye are documented. Other H35 retinal conditions, such as background retinopathy (H35.0-), are separate diagnoses, not macular-degeneration subtypes.