Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, bilateral

This code signifies the presence of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy affecting both eyes. This condition involves abnormal new blood vessel growth (neovascularization) in the retina, a complication of sickle cell disease that can lead to vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and vision loss.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states bilateral proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. This diagnosis is typically made by an ophthalmologist based on funduscopic examination and often confirmed with fluorescein angiography. Ensure the patient's medical record clearly indicates the presence of sickle cell disease as the underlying cause.

• Always code the underlying sickle cell disease first, followed by this code.
• Distinguish carefully between proliferative and nonproliferative forms of sickle cell retinopathy; this code is specific to the proliferative stage.
• Verify laterality; do not use this bilateral code if only one eye is affected.