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ICD-10 Coding for HIV Screening(Z11.4, Z20.6, B20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for HIV Screening. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ScreeningHIV Test

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to HIV Screening

Z11-Z13Primary Range

Persons encountering health services for examinations

This range includes codes for routine health screenings, including HIV screening.

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

This range includes codes for confirmed HIV diagnoses and related conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z11.4Encounter for screening for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]Use for routine HIV screening encounters without symptoms or known exposure.
  • Documentation of routine screening intent
  • Negative or pending test results
Z20.6Contact with and (suspected) exposure to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]Use when there is documented exposure or high-risk behavior.
  • Documented exposure risk or high-risk behavior
B20Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] diseaseUse for confirmed HIV diagnoses with symptoms or history of AIDS.
  • Confirmed HIV diagnosis with symptoms or history of AIDS-defining illness

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for HIV screening

Essential facts and insights about HIV Screening

The ICD-10 code for routine HIV screening is Z11.4, used for encounters specifically for HIV screening without symptoms or known exposure.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for human immunodeficiency virus screening

Encounter for screening for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient presents for routine screening without symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Routine HIV screening

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of routine screening intent
  • Negative or pending test results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for diagnostic testing in symptomatic patients

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the screening nature of the visit.

Ancillary Codes

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

HIV counseling

Z71.7
Use when counseling is provided during the screening encounter.

Differential Codes

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

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to HIV

Z20.6
Use Z20.6 when there is known or suspected exposure to HIV.

Encounter for screening for HIV

Z11.4
Use Z11.4 for routine screenings without known exposure.

Asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection status

Z21
Use Z21 for asymptomatic HIV without history of AIDS.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting HIV Screening to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z11.4.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents the purpose of the visit., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the purpose of the test before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B20 if the patient is on antiretroviral therapy.

Impact

Using Z21 for symptomatic patients or those on antiretrovirals.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 coding updates.

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 HIV Screening, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for HIV Screening

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

Routine HIV Screening

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Screening indication
  • Consent
  • Test method
  • Results
  • Counseling provided

Example Documentation

HIV Screening Documentation - Screening indication: Routine, Consent: Obtained, Test method: Rapid oral, Results: Negative, Counseling provided: Yes

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HIV test done.
Good Documentation Example
Routine HIV screening performed with patient consent. Rapid oral test negative. Counseling provided.
Explanation
The good example includes screening intent, consent, test method, and results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for HIV Screening? Ask your questions below.

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