Skip to content
Dx

ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for Scintillating scotoma

H53.12

Transient visual loss

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Scotoma (arcuate) (Bjerrum) (central) (ring) › scintillating”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding Scintillating scotoma

The ICD-10-CM code for Scintillating scotoma is H53.12 (Transient visual loss).

Within H53.1 (subjective visual disturbances), H53.12 is specifically for transient visual loss. Related codes cover unspecified subjective visual disturbances (H53.10), day blindness (H53.11), sudden visual loss (H53.13), visual discomfort (H53.14), visual distortions of shape and size (H53.15), Psychophysical visual disturbances (H53.16) and other subjective visual disturbances (H53.19).

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: H53.121 (right eye), H53.122 (left eye), H53.123 (bilateral) and H53.129 (unspecified eye).

Don't report H53.12 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: amaurosis fugax (G45.3-) and transient retinal artery occlusion (H34.0-).

Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for H53.12)

  • amaurosis fugax (G45.3-)
  • transient retinal artery occlusion (H34.0-)

Common questions about Scintillating scotoma ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for Scintillating scotoma?

H53.12 — Transient visual loss (a header code; report a more specific subcode).

Is H53.12 billable?

No. H53.12 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.