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ICD-10 Coding for Exposure to Chlamydia(Z20.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Exposure to Chlamydia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chlamydia contactChlamydia exposure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Exposure to Chlamydia

Z20-Z29Primary Range

Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases

This range includes codes for exposure to communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for exposure to chlamydia

Essential facts and insights about Exposure to Chlamydia

The ICD-10 code for exposure to chlamydia is Z20.2, used when a patient has been in contact with a partner diagnosed with chlamydia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for exposure to chlamydia

Contact with and exposure to infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports exposure to a partner diagnosed with chlamydia.

documentation Criteria

  • Include details of the exposure and any symptoms or lack thereof.

Applicable To

  • Exposure to chlamydia

Excludes

  • Confirmed chlamydial infection (A56.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented contact with a partner diagnosed with chlamydia
  • Timeline of exposure within 60 days

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for confirmed infections
  • Missing documentation of exposure details

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the exposure and the context of the encounter.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

Z11.3
Use when the patient is undergoing routine screening without known exposure.

Differential Codes

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

Other chlamydial infections

A56.8
Use A56.8 only when there is laboratory confirmation of chlamydial infection.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Exposure to Chlamydia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z20.2.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate testing and treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of medical necessity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation, Verify exposure details with the patient

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials if exposure is not documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on exposure cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Document explicit exposure details and use Z20.2.

Impact

Lack of detailed exposure documentation can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all exposure details are documented clearly and accurately.

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 Exposure to Chlamydia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Exposure to Chlamydia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Exposure to Chlamydia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Exposure to chlamydia in primary care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Social history
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: 'I need testing after my partner tested positive for chlamydia.' HPI: 22yo F reports unprotected vaginal intercourse with male partner on 03/15/2025. Partner diagnosed with chlamydia (A56.01) at Urgent Care on 03/28/2025. Denies dysuria, discharge, pelvic pain. Social History: Monogamous ×6 months. No condom use. Assessment: Exposure to chlamydia (Z20.2). Plan: NAAT testing for chlamydia/gonorrhea (87591, 87491). Expedited partner therapy initiated per state guidelines.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient wants STI test.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents for STI evaluation following exposure to chlamydia via unprotected vaginal intercourse on [DATE]. Partner confirmed positive via NAAT testing at [FACILITY]. No current symptoms reported.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the exposure and partner's diagnosis, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Exposure to Chlamydia? Ask your questions below.

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