ICD-10-CM CODING TIP

 CODES

Z codes can be used in any health care setting and may be first-listed (principal diagnosis code in the inpatient setting) or secondary code, depending on the circumstances of the encounter. Certain Z codes may only be listed as first-listed or principal diagnosis.  There are 20 of these first listed/principal Z codes and they are listed in your  ICD-10-CM manual in the front of the book under the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting for Chapter 21-16.

First listed Z codes indicate:
• that a person with a resolving disease or injury or chronic is being seen for specific aftercare, such as the removal of internal fixation devices such as orthopedic pins

• that the patient is seen for the sole purpose of special therapy, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

• that a person not currently ill is encountering the health service for a specific reason, such as to act as an organ donor, to receive prophylactic care, or to receive counseling

•  the birth status of newborns

Additional codes indicate:

• that a patient has a history, a health status, or another problem that is not in itself an illness or injury but may influence patient care.