Diabetes with stable prolif diabetic retinopathy, bilateral

This code signifies diabetes mellitus that has developed as a consequence of another underlying medical condition, rather than being a primary type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The patient exhibits proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a severe form of diabetic eye disease characterized by new, abnormal blood vessel growth, which is currently stable in both eyes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates diabetes is secondary to another condition (e.g., pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, drug-induced) and the patient has stable proliferative diabetic retinopathy affecting both eyes. Supporting documentation should specify the underlying condition causing the diabetes and confirm the bilateral, stable proliferative retinopathy.

• Always sequence the underlying condition causing the diabetes first, followed by this code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "stable" retinopathy; if active or unstable, a different code for active proliferative retinopathy would be appropriate.
• Verify the laterality (bilateral) is explicitly stated; if unilateral, a different code would be required.