ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for optic neuritis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Neuritis (rheumatoid) › optic (nerve) (hereditary) (sympathetic)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding optic neuritis
The ICD-10-CM code for optic neuritis is H46.9 (Unspecified optic neuritis). The official index lists 6 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on H46.9.
Within H46, choose H46.9 (Unspecified optic neuritis) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: optic papillitis (H46.0), retrobulbar neuritis (H46.1), nutritional optic neuropathy (H46.2), toxic optic neuropathy (H46.3) and other optic neuritis (H46.8).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 123 (Neurological Eye Disorders, relative weight 0.822), in MDC 02 (Diseases and Disorders of the Eye), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific optic neuritis codes (official index)
Common questions about optic neuritis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for optic neuritis?
- H46.9 — Unspecified optic neuritis. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: G36.0, G36.0, H46.2, H46.1 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for nutritional optic neuritis?
- H46.2 — Nutritional optic neuropathy.
What is the ICD-10 code for retrobulbar optic neuritis?
- H46.1 — Retrobulbar neuritis (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for toxic optic neuritis?
- H46.3 — Toxic optic neuropathy.
Is H46.9 billable?
- Yes. H46.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can H46.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict H46.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is H46.9 a CC or MCC?
- H46.9 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.