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ICD-10 Coding for Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive(Z20.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

TB ExposureContact with Active TB Case

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive

Z20-Z29Primary Range

Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases

This range includes codes for contact with and exposure to communicable diseases, including tuberculosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for TB exposure

Essential facts and insights about Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive

ICD-10 code Z20.1 is used for contact with and suspected exposure to tuberculosis, requiring detailed documentation of exposure and index case status.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for close contact with tuberculosis positive

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to tuberculosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed exposure to an active TB case

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed exposure history and index case status

Applicable To

  • Close contact with active TB case

Excludes

  • Screening for tuberculosis (Z11.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented exposure to a confirmed active TB case
  • Details of the index case's infectious status
  • Duration and nature of exposure

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for general screening without known exposure

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the relationship to the index case and the infectious status.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Encounter for screening for latent tuberculosis infection

Z11.7
Use when screening for LTBI post-exposure.

Nonspecific reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis

R76.11
Use to document a positive TST result.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosis

Z11.1
Use Z11.1 for routine TB screening without known exposure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z20.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate follow-up actions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify and document the index case's infectious status.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on TB exposure cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z11.1 for screening without known exposure.

Impact

Using Z20.1 for routine screening can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure Z20.1 is only used for documented exposure cases.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Evaluation of a child exposed to a TB-positive family member

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Exposure dates
  • Relationship to index case
  • Test results
  • Symptoms

Example Documentation

Child exposed to father with smear-positive TB from 01/01/2023 to 01/31/2023. TST 12mm induration. Asymptomatic.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Exposed to TB.
Good Documentation Example
Close contact with father with smear-positive TB from 01/01/2023 to 01/31/2023. TST 12mm induration. Asymptomatic.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the exposure and test results, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Close Contact with Tuberculosis Positive? Ask your questions below.

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