H46
Non-Billable

Optic neuritis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Optic neuritis?

ICD-10-CM H46 is the diagnosis code for Optic 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.

â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for H46

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in H46. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

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

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

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

Sub-Codes 6 entries
H46.0Optic papillitisNon-BillableH46.00Optic papillitis, unspecified eyeBillableH46.01Optic papillitis, right eyeBillableH46.02Optic papillitis, left eyeBillableH46.03Optic papillitis, bilateralBillableH46.1Retrobulbar neuritisNon-BillableH46.10Retrobulbar neuritis, unspecified eyeBillableH46.11Retrobulbar neuritis, right eyeBillableH46.12Retrobulbar neuritis, left eyeBillableH46.13Retrobulbar neuritis, bilateralBillableH46.2Nutritional optic neuropathyBillableH46.3Toxic optic neuropathyBillableH46.8Other optic neuritisBillableH46.9Unspecified optic neuritisBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H46 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

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

What does H46 mean?

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

What section is H46 in?

H46 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?

H46 has 6 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H46.0, H46.1, H46.2, H46.3, H46.8 and more.

When should I use H46?

Use H46 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Optic 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 Optic neuritis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Optic neuritis is H46.

Can H46 be used for primary diagnosis?

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

What chapter is H46 in?

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

Is H46 valid for 2026?

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

See Also

← PreviousH44.9Unspecified disorder of globeNext →H46.0Optic papillitis
Code Details
H46
Optic 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