H46.1
Non-Billable

Retrobulbar neuritis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Retrobulbar neuritis?

ICD-10-CM H46.1 is the diagnosis code for Retrobulbar neuritis. This code falls under the section "Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways" within Chapter 7 — Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for H46.1

✅ This Code Includes

  • Retrobulbar neuritis NOS

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as H46.1. They are mutually exclusive:

  • syphilitic retrobulbar neuritis (A52.15)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H46.1 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H46.10Retrobulbar neuritis, unspecified eyeBillableH46.11Retrobulbar neuritis, right eyeBillableH46.12Retrobulbar neuritis, left eyeBillableH46.13Retrobulbar neuritis, bilateralBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H46.1 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H46.1 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H46.1 mean?

H46.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Retrobulbar neuritis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H46.1?

The parent code of H46.1 is H46 ("Optic neuritis"). H46.1 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H46.1 in?

H46.1 is located in Section H46-H47 — "Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways" within Chapter 7 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H46.1?

H46.1 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H46.10, H46.11, H46.12, H46.13.

When should I use H46.1?

Use H46.1 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Retrobulbar neuritis" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Retrobulbar neuritis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Retrobulbar neuritis is H46.1.

Can H46.1 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H46.1 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H46.1 in?

H46.1 is in Chapter 7 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from H46.1?

Type 1 Excludes for H46.1 include: syphilitic retrobulbar neuritis (A52.15).

Is H46.1 valid for 2026?

Yes, H46.1 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH46.03Optic papillitis, bilateralNext →H46.10Retrobulbar neuritis, unspecified eye
Code Details
H46.1
Retrobulbar neuritis
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
7 — Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59)
H46-H47 — Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways
2026 ICD-10-CM