Diabetes with mild nonp rtnop without macular edema, bi

This code signifies a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus that is a direct consequence of another underlying medical condition, rather than type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The patient presents with early-stage diabetic retinopathy, characterized by microaneurysms and hemorrhages, affecting both eyes. Importantly, there is no swelling or fluid leakage in the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly states diabetes mellitus is secondary to another condition (e.g., cystic fibrosis, pancreatectomy, drug-induced) and not idiopathic. It applies when an ophthalmological exam confirms mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eyes, with specific notation that macular edema is absent. The physician's notes should differentiate this from more severe forms of retinopathy or those affecting only one eye.

• Always sequence the underlying condition causing the diabetes before this code.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "mild nonproliferative" and "without macular edema" for both eyes.
• Do not use if the diabetes is Type 1 or Type 2; refer to codes within the E10 or E11 categories.