Hypertensive retinopathy, bilateral

This code signifies damage to the retina in both eyes caused by chronically elevated blood pressure. It indicates the presence of vascular changes, hemorrhages, exudates, or papilledema in the fundus due to hypertension.

Apply this code when the physician's documentation explicitly states "hypertensive retinopathy, bilateral" or describes findings consistent with hypertensive retinopathy affecting both eyes. Ensure the medical record clearly links the retinal changes to the patient's hypertension.

• Always confirm laterality; this code specifically denotes bilateral involvement.
• Do not use this code if the retinopathy is due to diabetes; use appropriate diabetic retinopathy codes instead.
• Sequence this code after the primary hypertension diagnosis (e.g., I10, I12.0, I12.9) to establish the causal link.