Excludes2 relationship
What we found
Yes, when both are documented.H35.06 carries an Excludes2 note covering E09.359: “diabetic retinal disorders (E08.311-E08.359, E09.311-E09.359, E10.311-E10.359, E11.311-E11.359, E13.311-E13.359)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
What to review
Report both only when the documentation supports both conditions; otherwise report the one documented.
Why it matters
An Excludes2 note means the excluded condition is not part of the code above it, but a patient can have both. Report both when both are documented.
Source / rule
CMS ICD-10-CM tabular instructional notes