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H44.2C9 ICD-10-CM Code: Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, unspecified eye

Compare with another codeCheck this code on a claim

Billing Status: YES. This is a valid, specific, and billable ICD-10-CM reference.

Coding at a Glance

Tabular directives
1 inclusion term · 1 use-additional code

Billable · FY2027A valid, specific ICD-10-CM code, reportable for dates of service in FY2027.

What you need to know

Source: CMS/NCHS Official ICD-10-CM tabular notes, quoted. From the CMS/NCHS tabular list for the release in force. A note the category or block publishes applies to this code too; the Instructions section marks which is which.

Use additional codeReport with this code when documented
  • code to identify the retinal detachment (H33.-)
IncludesWhat this code covers
  • disorders affecting multiple structures of eye

Most relevant related codes MedCoder-derived

Read off the official notes above and this code’s own position in the tabular list. Which to report is a documentation question; Compare shows the two side by side.

CompareCheck ClaimView Related Codes

Inpatient Payment Groups (MS-DRG)

Potential MS-DRG participation — not a DRG assignment.

MS-DRGs this diagnosis helps define, as principal or secondary, per the CMS ICD-10-CM/PCS MS-DRG Definitions Manual v44, Appendix B.

  • MS-DRG 124 — OTHER DISORDERS OF THE EYE WITH MCC OR THROMBOLYTIC AGENT (MDC 02)
  • MS-DRG 125 — OTHER DISORDERS OF THE EYE WITHOUT MCC (MDC 02)

A diagnosis appearing in a group's logic does not by itself determine the DRG assigned to a stay; the grouper uses the full claim.

Coding instructions

Official Tabular Instructional Notes: the inclusion, exclusion and sequencing notes published for H44.2C9 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list, quoted as published.

Source: CMS/CDC — ICD-10-CM Tabular ListRelease: FY2027Effective: October 1, 2026

Trace:FY2027 changesChange historyRelease, file and checksum

Notes without a marker are published on H44.2C9 itself; “inherited from” names the category or block whose note applies here.

Includes

Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.

  • disorders affecting multiple structures of eye

Source: inherited from H44

Use Additional Code

Supplementary codes the tabular list directs you to add.

  • Use additional code to identify the retinal detachment (H33.-)

Source: inherited from H44.2C

Coder workflow for H44.2C9

MedCoder structured workflow — derived from this code’s own official record

Before you code H44.2C9

  1. Unspecified does not mean incorrect. When the record gives no greater specificity, H44.2C9 may be the appropriate code. Check the record for detail that supports a more specific sibling — in this subcategory the siblings differ by the presence or absence of the associated condition. An unspecified code is for records that do not provide the detail a more specific code needs; a query, not an assumption, is the route to specificity (Guidelines I.A.9.b, I.B.18).

    ReviewH44.2C1, H44.2C2, H44.2C3

    See the relationships section · Guide: Other vs unspecified (NEC vs NOS) →

  2. Laterality is coded in this family. Confirm the side documented — right, left, or bilateral — and select the matching code (this page’s code: unspecified). The unspecified-side code applies only when the record states no side. Laterality is assigned from the documented side; where a bilateral code exists and both sides are documented, it is used instead of two unilateral codes (Guidelines I.B.13).

    ReviewH44.2C1 · right, H44.2C2 · left

    Guide: Laterality coding →

  3. H44.2C9’s title joins a condition with an associated condition or complication. Confirm each component is documented. Where the classification presumes the link through the “with” convention, only a provider statement that the conditions are unrelated defeats it. A combination code is assigned only when it fully identifies the documented conditions; a required second code for the stage, type or manifestation is still reported when the notes ask for it (Guidelines I.B.9, I.A.15).

    Guide: Combination codes →

Choose the right path

  1. Does the record document the detail a more specific sibling code needs?
    Yes → Review the specific siblings in this subcategory.
    No → Continue — H44.2C9 is appropriate when the documentation goes no further.

    ReviewH44.2C1, H44.2C2, H44.2C3

  2. Is the side documented?
    Yes → Select the code for the documented side (or the bilateral code when both sides are documented and one exists).
    No → Use the unspecified-side code only when the record states no side; a query is the alternative.

    ReviewH44.2C1 · right, H44.2C2 · left

Consider H44.2C9. Then work the Use Additional Code note, and confirm the code is valid for the date of service in the Verify section.

Documentation check

The provider’s diagnostic statement
Codes are assigned from the provider’s documented diagnosis, not from clinical criteria, test values or a medication list (Guidelines I.A.19).
Laterality
Right, left or bilateral as documented; unspecified only when the record states no side (Guidelines I.B.13).
The associated condition or complication
Whether the associated condition the title names is documented; the “with” convention presumes some links, and a provider statement that the conditions are unrelated defeats it (Guidelines I.A.15).
The conditions the Use Additional Code note names
Reported with this code when documented; a conditional instruction (“if applicable”, “if known”) applies only when the record supports it.
Any detail beyond this code’s title
What the record states that a more specific sibling code would capture — or its absence, which itself supports the unspecified code.

Official instructions as workflow

  • Use Additional Code — after identifying H44.2C9(1 note)

    Coding workflow: Check whether the documentation supports the additional code(s) the note names, and report them with H44.2C9 when it does. Where the instruction is conditional (“if applicable”, “if known”), it applies only when the record documents the condition.

    ReviewH33

    See the official tabular notes · Guidelines I.A.13

Coding decision scenarios

Pattern scenarios for this code’s structure — decision rules, not clinical cases

Documentation: The provider documents the condition in the terms of this code’s title and records no further detail.

Coding question: Is a more specific sibling code supportable?

Path: Review the specific siblings in this subcategory and what each requires the record to state.

Reason: A more specific code needs documentation of the distinguishing element; without it the unspecified code is appropriate, and a provider query is the route to specificity (Guidelines I.A.9.b, I.B.18).

ReviewH44.2C1, H44.2C2, H44.2C3

Documentation: The record documents the condition on one side only.

Coding question: Which code in this family applies?

Path: Select the sibling code for the documented side.

Reason: Laterality is assigned from the documented side; the unspecified-side code is for records that state no side (Guidelines I.B.13).

ReviewH44.2C1 · right, H44.2C2 · left

Documentation: Only one of the components this code’s title joins is documented.

Coding question: Is H44.2C9 supported?

Path: Review the code for the documented component on its own.

Reason: A combination code is assigned only when it fully identifies the documented conditions; otherwise the documented component takes its own code (Guidelines I.B.9).

Every row is derived from this code’s own record — its title, tabular notes, 7th-character family and same-category siblings — with fixed MedCoder wording; nothing is inferred about a patient. The official notes and guideline text are in the sections each row links to, and they control.

Don’t confuse H44.2C9 with…

MedCoder analysis — pairs from this code’s official notes, distinctions written by MedCoder

The codes most likely to be picked instead of H44.2C9 — named in its own official notes, or sharing its laterality or encounter family — with what separates them and which documentation moves the case. Each links to the full comparison.

  • H44.2C1— Laterality relationship (Review)

    Same condition; these differ only in which side is documented.

    The same condition on the other side; the documented side decides, and a bilateral code, where one exists, replaces the pair when both sides are documented.

    What moves you there: A documented right side moves the case to H44.2C1.

    Full comparison: H44.2C9 vs H44.2C1 →

  • H44.2C2— Laterality relationship (Review)

    Same condition; these differ only in which side is documented.

    The same condition on the other side; the documented side decides, and a bilateral code, where one exists, replaces the pair when both sides are documented.

    What moves you there: A documented left side moves the case to H44.2C2.

    Full comparison: H44.2C9 vs H44.2C2 →

Relationships are read from this code's own official notes, its laterality siblings and its encounter family; the wording of each distinction is MedCoder editorial, and the documentation named in each “what moves you there” line is the official note phrase or sibling title itself. Source: CMS ICD-10-CM tabular instructional notes; ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a.

Coding context

Guidelines, coding notes, decision aids, relationships (with MS-DRG and CCSR classification), hierarchy, HCC, coverage and the context map: what a coder reaches for after the core. Each section names whether it is official source data, a MedCoder-derived relationship or MedCoder editorial.

Code Overview

Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, unspecified eye is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (H44.2C9).

MedCoder summary Summary composed by MedCoder from this code's official ICD-10-CM record. The tabular instructional notes themselves appear verbatim below.

Verify Before Coding

  • No Medicare Code Editor or MS-DRG Definitions Manual restrictions apply to this code.

From the code registry, the Medicare Code Editor, and the MS-DRG Definitions Manual. Check it against a full claim in Claim Check.

Relationships & Classification

MedCoder-derived relationships — computed from published CMS and AHRQ datasets

Other codes that name H44.2C9 or its code family, from the CMS ICD-10-CM tabular instructional notes. Tabular-note edges are stored at the code family level that carries each note.

Referenced by 1 Excludes1 note: H52.1 — Myopia (via H44.2.-).

These codes’ tabular lists mark this diagnosis as mutually exclusive — not reported together unless the conditions are documented as unrelated.

Referenced by 1 Excludes2 note: H15.8 — Other disorders of sclera (via H44.2.-).

These codes’ tabular lists name this diagnosis as distinct — both may be reported when both are documented.

MS-DRG Grouper Relationships (FY2027)

Potential MS-DRG participation — not a DRG assignment.

FY2027 MS-DRG: not on the CMS CC/MCC list — as a secondary diagnosis this code does not change MS-DRG severity for that release.

Named in the grouper logic of 2 MS-DRGs: DRG 124 (MDC 02), DRG 125 (MDC 02).

From the CMS MS-DRG Definitions Manual (Appendices B and C). Actual DRG assignment depends on the complete claim.

Clinical classification (AHRQ CCSR):EYE012 — Other specified eye disorders (default).

Clinical Classifications Software Refined (CCSR) for ICD-10-CM Diagnoses. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Related Codes

Same condition, opposite side

Same category and title, differing only in which side of the body is affected.

H44.2C1 — Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, right eye (right)Compare H44.2C9 vs H44.2C1 →, H44.2C2 — Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, left eye (left)Compare H44.2C9 vs H44.2C2 →

Same clinical category (CCSR)

AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software groups these diagnoses under the same clinical category (Other specified eye disorders).

H44.2A2 — Degenerative myopia with choroidal neovascularization, left eye, H44.2A3 — Degenerative myopia with choroidal neovascularization, bilateral, H44.2A9 — Degenerative myopia with choroidal neovascularization, unspecified eye, H44.2B1 — Degenerative myopia with macular hole, right eye, H44.2B2 — Degenerative myopia with macular hole, left eye, H44.2B3 — Degenerative myopia with macular hole, bilateral, H44.2B9 — Degenerative myopia with macular hole, unspecified eye, H44.2C1 — Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, right eye, H44.2C2 — Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, left eye, H44.2C3 — Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, bilateral, H44.2D1 — Degenerative myopia with foveoschisis, right eye, H44.2D2 — Degenerative myopia with foveoschisis, left eye, H44.2D3 — Degenerative myopia with foveoschisis, bilateral, H44.2D9 — Degenerative myopia with foveoschisis, unspecified eye, H44.2E1 — Degenerative myopia with other maculopathy, right eye, H44.2E2 — Degenerative myopia with other maculopathy, left eye, H44.2E3 — Degenerative myopia with other maculopathy, bilateral, H44.2E9 — Degenerative myopia with other maculopathy, unspecified eye, H44.30 — Unspecified degenerative disorder of globe, H44.311 — Chalcosis, right eye, +260 more

Same Index main term, other category

The ICD-10-CM Index to Diseases and Injuries files this code under the main terms “Myopia”, “Change”, “Spots, spotting”, …; these codes share that main term but sit in a different category of the Tabular List.

F07.0 — Personality change due to known physiological condition (personality, due to, general medical condition), F44.4 — Conversion disorder with motor symptom or deficit (voice, psychogenic), F60.89 — Other specific personality disorders (personality, secondary), F68.8 — Other specified disorders of adult personality and behavior (personality), H18.30 — Unspecified corneal membrane change (corneal membrane), H18.31 — Folds and rupture in Bowman's membrane (corneal membrane, Bowman's membrane fold or rupture), H18.32 — Folds in Descemet's membrane (corneal membrane, Descemet's membrane, fold), H18.33 — Rupture in Descemet's membrane (corneal membrane, Descemet's membrane, rupture), H18.51 — Endothelial corneal dystrophy (dystrophy), H35.9 — Unspecified retinal disorder (retina), H52.1 — Myopia, I73.9 — Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified (vasomotor), I78.1 — Nevus, non-neoplastic (ruby), I99.9 — Unspecified disorder of circulatory system (vascular), J34.3 — Hypertrophy of nasal turbinates (hypertrophic, turbinate, nasal), J34.89 — Other specified disorders of nose and nasal sinuses (hypertrophic, nasal sinus), J38.7 — Other diseases of larynx (hyperplastic larynx), J39.8 — Other specified diseases of upper respiratory tract (hypertrophic, upper respiratory tract), K00.8 — Other disorders of tooth development (color, tooth, teeth, during formation), K03.7 — Posteruptive color changes of dental hard tissues (color, tooth, teeth, posteruptive), +47 more

Contextual Map

Every relationship of H44.2C9 in one view: hierarchy, official tabular instructions in both directions, clinical classification, risk adjustment, MS-DRG participation, index terms and change history — each edge carrying the CMS source it derives from.

Run H44.2C9 with these 2 related codes in Claim Check

Hierarchy

Referenced by Excludes1 notes

  • H52.1 — Myopia[Excludes1](via H44.2.-): “degenerative myopia (H44.2-)”— CMS ICD-10-CM tabular instructional notes · icd10cm-fy2027

Referenced by Excludes2 notes

Clinical classification (CCSR)

MS-DRG Grouper

MDC crossing

  • MDC 02 — Diseases and Disorders of the Eye[MDC crossing]: “Diseases and Disorders of the Eye — the grouper's crossing between diagnoses and procedures: a principal diagnosis sets the MDC, and same-MDC procedures move the stay to its surgical DRGs. 1,200 same-MDC procedures group here; browse them on the MDC page.”— CMS MS-DRG Definitions Manual · FY2027

Nearest codes (40)

Change history

Reference

Index terms and tables, published questions and FAQ, every source behind this page with its release and checksum, the date-of-service check and the complete change history.

Sources for this page

Codes, titles, notes, index terms and mappings on this page are transcribed from the datasets below. Relationships MedCoder computed and text MedCoder wrote are labelled where they appear.

Code, title, tabular notes and index terms Official source data
CMS/CDC ICD-10-CM FY2027 tabular list, index and tables, effective October 1, 2026 Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Claim edits Official source data
CMS Definitions of Medicare Code Edits — v44.0 (October 2026) Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Inpatient payment groups Official source data
CMS MS-DRG Definitions Manual (incl. Appendix B diagnosis index, Appendix C CC/MCC list, Appendix E procedure index) and IPPS Final Rule tables — v44 Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Change history and date-of-service validity Official source data
CMS ICD-10-CM release addenda, ingested release by release into the change ledger Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Comparisons, relationships and the contextual map MedCoder-derived relationship
Computed by MedCoder from the tabular notes and tables above; every derived relationship is marked as derived where it appears
Summary and FAQ answers MedCoder editorial explanation
Written by MedCoder to explain the sources above: drafted with AI assistance, checked by a person against the release files, and labelled as MedCoder text where it appears. Not official text.

Current data releases:ICD-10-CM FY2027 · ICD-10-PCS FY2027 · HCPCS October 2026 · MS-DRG v44 · Medicare Code Editor v44.0 · NCCI PTP Q4 2026 · MUE Q4 2026 · NCD code lists 2026-01 · LCD export September 20, 2026 · All releases and sources

Labels on this page: Official source data · MedCoder-derived relationship · MedCoder editorial explanation. How to read the labels · All data sources and release dates · CMS coding rules

Cite this page

Reference this page in a research guide, syllabus or article. The release is included because code content changes each year.

MedCoder.ai. "H44.2C9 — Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, unspecified eye." ICD-10-CM FY2027. https://medcoder.ai/icd10/code/h44.2c9-degenerative-myopia-with-retinal-detachment-unspecified-eye

Change history

  • FY2018 — October 1, 2017
    Added to the code set
    Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment, unspecified eye
    FY2018 changes

Nearest Codes in This Family

Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to H44.2C9 in its code family, with their registry titles.

View all codes in the H44 family