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ICD-10 Coding for PrEP(Z29.81, Z11.4)

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

Also known as:

Pre-exposure prophylaxisHIV prevention medication

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to PrEP

Z20-Z29Primary Range

Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases

This range includes codes for prophylactic measures, including PrEP.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z29.81Encounter for prophylactic measures for prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] infectionUse for all encounters where PrEP is prescribed or managed.
  • Documentation of PrEP prescription
  • Negative HIV test result
Z11.4Encounter for screening for HIVUse when an HIV screening test is conducted.
  • HIV screening test ordered or performed

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 PrEP

Essential facts and insights about PrEP

The ICD-10 code for PrEP is Z29.81, used for encounters involving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis management.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for prep

Encounter for prophylactic measures for prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] infection
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient is receiving or managing PrEP medication.

Applicable To

  • HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of PrEP prescription
  • Negative HIV test result

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing if not listed first

Coding Notes

  • Ensure Z29.81 is the primary code for PrEP encounters.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for HIV

Z11.4
Use when an HIV test is performed during the 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 when documenting exposure risk without PrEP management.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting PrEP to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z29.81.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific ICD-10 codes., Document all relevant clinical details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or require patient payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on PrEP utilization.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure Z29.81 is used as the primary code for PrEP encounters.

Impact

Using Z20.6 instead of Z29.81 as primary.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on correct coding practices.

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

Documentation Templates for PrEP

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

PrEP management visit

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Assessment with Z29.81
  • Plan with PrEP medication details
  • Labs ordered with specific test names

Example Documentation

Assessment: HIV PrEP management (Z29.81). Plan: Continue emtricitabine/tenofovir. Labs: HIV Ag/Ab, creatinine.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Discussed HIV prevention.
Good Documentation Example
Initiated daily oral TDF/FTC for PrEP; assigned Z29.81.
Explanation
The good example specifies the medication and assigns the correct ICD-10 code.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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