Oth diab with mild nonp rtnop without macular edema, unsp

This code signifies a form of diabetes mellitus, not otherwise specified as Type 1 or Type 2, that is complicated by early-stage diabetic retinopathy. The retinopathy is characterized by microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and hard exudates, but without new vessel growth or swelling in the macula, and the affected eye is not specified.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of "other specified diabetes mellitus" and "mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy" without any mention of macular edema. This is appropriate when the physician's notes indicate the specific type of diabetes falls outside of Type 1 or Type 2, and the retinopathy is in its mildest non-proliferative stage.

• Always sequence the diabetes code first, as it is the underlying condition causing the retinopathy.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "mild nonproliferative" and "without macular edema" to support this specific retinopathy stage.
• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; instead, use the appropriate E10 or E11 code with the retinopathy manifestation.