ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

H46Optic neuritis

Not billable — use a more specific code

H46 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About H46

H46 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for optic neuritis. It belongs to block H46-H47 (disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways) and chapter 7 (diseases of the eye and adnexa). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: H46.0 (papillitis), H46.1 (neuritis), H46.2 (neuropathy), H46.3 (neuropathy), H46.8 (neuritis) and H46.9 (neuritis).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of H46, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: ischemic optic neuropathy (H47.01-) and neuromyelitis optica [Devic] (G36.0).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under H46

Coding notes

Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist

ischemic optic neuropathy (H47.01-)
neuromyelitis optica [Devic] (G36.0)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to H46.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 7: Diseases of the eye and adnexa.

Codes whose notes reference H46

G36.0Excludes2
G52Excludes2

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about H46

Is H46 billable?: No. H46 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.