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ICD-10 Coding for Screening Bone Density(Z13.820, M85.8)

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

Also known as:

Bone Density ScreeningOsteoporosis Screening

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Screening Bone Density

Z13.820Primary Range

Encounter for screening for osteoporosis

Primary code for screening bone density in asymptomatic patients.

Other specified disorders of bone density and structure

Used for diagnostic scenarios, not for screening.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z13.820Encounter for screening for osteoporosisFor asymptomatic patients undergoing routine screening for osteoporosis.
  • Age ≥65 for women or ≥70 for men
  • Presence of risk factors such as glucocorticoid use
M85.8Other specified disorders of bone density and structureFor diagnostic evaluations of bone density disorders.
  • Presence of symptoms or diagnostic findings

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 screening bone density

Essential facts and insights about Screening Bone Density

The ICD-10 code for screening bone density is Z13.820, used for routine osteoporosis screening in asymptomatic patients.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for screening bone density

Encounter for screening for osteoporosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient age and presence of risk factors

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of risk factors for younger patients

Applicable To

  • Routine osteoporosis screening

Excludes

  • Diagnostic evaluation of bone density

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Age ≥65 for women or ≥70 for men
  • Presence of risk factors such as glucocorticoid use

Code-Specific Risks

  • Denial if used for patients under age criteria without risk factors

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of risk factors for patients under age criteria.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of glucocorticoids

Z79.51
Use alongside Z13.820 if patient is on glucocorticoid therapy.

Acquired absence of ovaries, unilateral

Z90.721
Use to document risk factors related to post-oophorectomy status.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified disorders of bone density and structure

M85.8
Use M85.8 for diagnostic purposes, not for routine screening.

Encounter for screening for osteoporosis

Z13.820
Use Z13.820 for routine screening, not M85.8.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Screening Bone Density to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z13.820.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate screening, Regulatory: Non-compliance with payer guidelines, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough patient history is taken, Document all relevant risk factors

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if risk factors are not documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with payer guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate coding data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific risk factors such as glucocorticoid use or family history.

Impact

Claims may be audited if risk factors are not documented for younger patients.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all risk factors are clearly documented in the patient's record.

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

Documentation Templates for Screening Bone Density

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

Routine screening for osteoporosis in a 67-year-old female

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient age
  • Risk factors
  • Reason for screening

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient needs bone density test.
Good Documentation Example
67-year-old female with family history of osteoporosis, referred for routine DXA screening.
Explanation
The good example includes specific patient details and reason for screening.

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

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