MAR 30, 2022
Diabetes and Cataracts
Several ICD-10 codes for diabetes include “with cataract”. Do they also apply to secondary cataracts? Is E11.36 appropriate to code when the physician documents that the patient has diabetes mellitus and secondary cataracts, but does not document the connection?
A patient can have diabetes and cataracts, but that it isn't always a diabetic cataract. The doctor would need to diagnosis and document that the cataract was diabetes related.
E11.36 is not a covered diagnosis for 65860 severing adhesions of anterior segment, laser technique. Report secondary cataract diagnosis when the patient requires treatment now or in future. The diagnosis of diabetes can also be reported.