What is the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) code for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

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ICD-10 Code for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The primary ICD-10 code for type 2 diabetes mellitus is E11.9 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications). 1

Basic Coding Structure for Type 2 Diabetes

The E11 category represents type 2 diabetes mellitus in the ICD-10 coding system. The basic structure follows this pattern:

  • E11.9: Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications (default code)
  • E11.xx: Type 2 diabetes with specific complications (where xx represents the specific complication)

Specific Complication Codes

When coding type 2 diabetes with complications, use these more specific codes:

Diabetic Complications

  • E11.0: Type 2 diabetes with hyperosmolarity
  • E11.1: Type 2 diabetes with ketoacidosis
  • E11.2x: Type 2 diabetes with kidney complications
    • E11.21: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic nephropathy
    • E11.22: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic chronic kidney disease
  • E11.3x: Type 2 diabetes with ophthalmic complications
    • E11.31x: Type 2 diabetes with unspecified diabetic retinopathy
    • E11.32x: Type 2 diabetes with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
    • E11.33x: Type 2 diabetes with moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
    • E11.34x: Type 2 diabetes with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
    • E11.35x: Type 2 diabetes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
  • E11.4x: Type 2 diabetes with neurological complications
    • E11.40: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic neuropathy, unspecified
    • E11.41: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic mononeuropathy
    • E11.42: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic polyneuropathy
    • E11.43: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy
  • E11.5x: Type 2 diabetes with circulatory complications
    • E11.51: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic peripheral angiopathy without gangrene
    • E11.52: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene
  • E11.6x: Type 2 diabetes with other specified complications
  • E11.8: Type 2 diabetes with unspecified complications

Important Coding Considerations

  1. Specificity: Always code to the highest level of specificity based on documented complications 1

  2. Multiple Complications: When a patient has multiple diabetic complications, each complication should be coded separately

  3. Controlled vs. Uncontrolled: ICD-10 does not distinguish between controlled and uncontrolled diabetes; instead, focus on documenting complications

  4. Long-term Use of Insulin: For patients on long-term insulin, add the supplementary code Z79.4

  5. Secondary Diabetes: If diabetes is due to an underlying condition or medication, use different codes (E08-E13 categories)

Clinical Documentation Tips

To ensure accurate coding:

  • Document the type of diabetes clearly (type 2)
  • Specify all diabetic complications present
  • Document the relationship between diabetes and any complications
  • Include treatment regimen information (oral medications, insulin)
  • Document any causal relationships for secondary diabetes

Common Coding Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Using E11.9 when specific complications are present
  • Failing to link complications to diabetes when they are related
  • Coding type 2 diabetes as type 1 diabetes (E10 series)
  • Not updating diabetes codes when new complications develop

Remember that accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement, quality reporting, and tracking patient outcomes in diabetes care.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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