H49.1
Non-Billable

Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy?

ICD-10-CM H49.1 is the diagnosis code for Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy. This code falls under the section "Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction" 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.

Coding Guidelines for H49.1

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H49.1 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H49.10Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy, unspecified eyeBillableH49.11Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy, right eyeBillableH49.12Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy, left eyeBillableH49.13Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy, bilateralBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H49.1 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H49.1 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H49.1 mean?

H49.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H49.1?

The parent code of H49.1 is H49 ("Paralytic strabismus"). H49.1 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H49.1 in?

H49.1 is located in Section H49-H52 — "Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction" within Chapter 7 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H49.1?

H49.1 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H49.10, H49.11, H49.12, H49.13.

When should I use H49.1?

Use H49.1 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy" 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 Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy?

The ICD-10-CM code for Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy is H49.1.

Can H49.1 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H49.1 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H49.1 in?

H49.1 is in Chapter 7 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is H49.1 valid for 2026?

Yes, H49.1 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH49.03Third [oculomotor] nerve palsy, bilateralNext →H49.10Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy, unspecified eye
Code Details
H49.1
Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsy
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
7 — Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59)
H49-H52 — Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction
2026 ICD-10-CM