D49.81

What This Code Means

This code describes an abnormal growth or tumor in the retina or choroid (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) where doctors cannot yet determine if it is cancer or benign. It is used when the behavior of the eye growth is uncertain and requires further investigation or monitoring.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when the pathology report or clinical documentation explicitly states 'unspecified behavior' or when the neoplasm cannot be classified as benign or malignant at the time of coding
• •Once the behavior of the neoplasm is determined through biopsy or further testing, update the code to the appropriate malignant (C69.x) or benign (D31.x) code rather than keeping the unspecified behavior code