Diabetes with mild nonp rtnop without macular edema, unsp

This code signifies diabetes that is a direct result of another underlying medical condition, specifically presenting with early-stage diabetic retinopathy. The retinopathy is characterized by microaneurysms and hemorrhages without new vessel growth, and there is no swelling in the macula. The affected eye is not specified.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links diabetes to an underlying disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis) and an ophthalmological exam confirms mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema. This is appropriate when the medical record does not specify which eye is affected.

• Always sequence the underlying condition first, followed by this diabetes code.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "mild nonproliferative" and "without macular edema."
• Avoid using this code if the diabetes is type 1, type 2, or gestational; use the appropriate diabetes code from categories E09, E10, or E11 instead.