Type 1 diab with severe nonp rtnop without macular edema, bi

This code signifies a patient diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes who has developed severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy affecting both eyes. Importantly, there is no associated macular edema in either eye. This represents a significant microvascular complication of long-standing diabetes.

Use this code when documentation clearly states Type 1 diabetes and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy is present bilaterally, with explicit mention that macular edema is absent. This diagnosis is typically made by an ophthalmologist during a dilated fundus examination.

• Always verify the type of diabetes (Type 1 vs. Type 2) and the specific stage of retinopathy.
• Confirm the laterality (bilateral, right, left, or unspecified) and the presence or absence of macular edema.
• Do not use this code if macular edema is present; a different code reflecting macular edema would be required.