Oth diab with severe nonp rtnop without macular edema, unsp

This code signifies a diagnosis of a type of diabetes mellitus, other than type 1 or type 2, that is complicated by severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. This specific retinopathy stage is characterized by significant microvascular changes in the retina, but without the presence of macular edema, and the affected eye is not specified.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates "other specified diabetes mellitus" as the underlying condition, and an ophthalmologist's report or physician's notes confirm severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema. This code is appropriate when the laterality of the affected eye is not documented or is unknown.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "other specified diabetes mellitus" and not Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes.
• Verify that the retinopathy is explicitly stated as "severe nonproliferative" and that "macular edema" is absent.
• Only use this code when the affected eye is not specified; otherwise, use a more specific code for right, left, or bilateral involvement.