Z98.42 (Cataract extraction status, left eye) compared with Z98.49 (Cataract extraction status, unspecified eye), from the official CMS tabular data. Z98.42 and Z98.49 code the same condition on opposite sides.
Same condition; these differ only in which side is documented.
These codes share a category and title and differ only in the side affected. The documentation decides which applies, and a bilateral code is reported only where the code set provides one.
Source: ICD-10-CM tabular list (laterality variant derived from the code title)
Same condition, opposite side. Z98.42 and Z98.49 name the same condition on opposite sides of the body.
Same category and title, differing only in which side is affected — the documentation decides which one applies, and a bilateral code is reported only where the code set provides one.
| Z98.42Cataract extraction status, left eye | Z98.49Cataract extraction status, unspecified eye | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Billable | Billable |
| Classification | Z00-Z99 — Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services (Z00-Z99) | Z00-Z99 — Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services (Z00-Z99) |
| Definition | Cataract extraction status, left eye is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (Z98.42). | Cataract extraction status, unspecified eye is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (Z98.49). |
| Use additional code | code to identify intraocular lens implant status (Z96.1) | code to identify intraocular lens implant status (Z96.1) |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources