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ICD-10 Coding for Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure)(Z20.5)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Exposure to Hepatitis B from BrotherHousehold Contact with Hepatitis B

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure)

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 hepatitis B.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for contact with hepatitis B brother

Essential facts and insights about Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure)

The ICD-10 code for contact with hepatitis B from a brother is Z20.5, which covers exposure to viral hepatitis B.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for contact with hepatitis brother

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to viral hepatitis B
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed exposure to hepatitis B from a household member

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of exposure circumstances and confirmation of the brother's hepatitis B status

Applicable To

  • Exposure to hepatitis B

Excludes

  • Carrier of viral hepatitis B (Z22.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented contact with a confirmed case of hepatitis B
  • Details of exposure such as household contact or shared personal items

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when the patient is a carrier instead of exposed
  • Lack of documentation linking exposure to a confirmed case

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the relationship and exposure details to justify the use of Z20.5.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for other viral diseases

Z11.59
Use if screening tests are ordered due to exposure.

Other specified counseling

Z71.89
Use for preventive education and counseling related to exposure.

Differential Codes

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

Carrier of viral hepatitis B

Z22.51
Use when the patient is a carrier, not just exposed.

Acute hepatitis B without delta-agent and without hepatic coma

B16.9
Use if the patient develops acute hepatitis B following exposure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z20.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to unnecessary testing or treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the contact's hepatitis B status., Use specific language in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z22.51 for carriers, not Z20.5.

Impact

Using Z20.5 without confirmed exposure details.

Mitigation Strategy

Require documentation of the contact's confirmed hepatitis B status before coding.

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 Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure)

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Routine follow-up after exposure

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient's relationship to the confirmed case
  • Details of exposure
  • Ordered tests and counseling

Example Documentation

Patient presents for HBV screening due to household contact with brother (confirmed B18.1). Shares bathroom and razors. Last contact 02/25/2025. Ordered HBV serology (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs). Counseled on safe practices.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Brother has hepatitis.
Good Documentation Example
Brother has confirmed chronic hepatitis B (B18.1) per medical records; patient shares household and personal care items (razors).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the brother's condition and the nature of the exposure.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Contact with Hepatitis B (Brother Exposure)? Ask your questions below.

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