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ICD-10 Coding for Screening Immunization(Z23, Z28.310, Z28.311)

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

Also known as:

Preventive ImmunizationVaccination Screening

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Screening Immunization

Z23Primary Range

Encounter for immunization

Primary code for all immunization encounters, used when vaccines are administered.

Underimmunization status

Used to indicate underimmunization status, such as refusal or partial vaccination.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z23Encounter for immunizationUse when vaccines are administered during a healthcare encounter.
  • Documentation of vaccine administration
  • Provision of Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
Z28.310Unvaccinated for COVID-19Use when a patient has not received any COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Patient's refusal or deferral of COVID-19 vaccination
Z28.311Partially vaccinated for COVID-19Use when a patient has received some but not all recommended COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Documentation of partial COVID-19 vaccination series

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 immunization screening

Essential facts and insights about Screening Immunization

The ICD-10 code for immunization screening is Z23, used for encounters where vaccines are administered.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for screening immunization

Encounter for immunization
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Vaccines administered during the visit

Applicable To

  • Vaccination
  • Immunization

Excludes

  • Routine child health examination with immunizations (Z00.121, Z00.129)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of vaccine administration
  • Provision of Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Omitting VIS documentation
  • Incorrect sequencing with well-child visit codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure correct sequencing when used with well-child visit codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for routine child health examination without abnormal findings

Z00.129
Use as primary code when immunizations are part of a well-child visit.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Screening Immunization to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z23.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient immunization history, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential audit issues

Mitigation Strategy

Use refusal codes like Z28.310, Document patient discussions

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of vaccine administration fees, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient immunization records

Mitigation Strategy

Always include Z23 when vaccines are administered, regardless of the number.

Impact

Reimbursement: Denial of E/M service reimbursement, Compliance: Incorrect billing practices, Data Quality: Incomplete billing records

Mitigation Strategy

Use modifier 25 with E/M codes when immunization administration is also billed.

Impact

Failure to document VIS details can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure VIS details are recorded for each vaccine administered.

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

Documentation Templates for Screening Immunization

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

Routine Immunization Visit

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Vaccines administered
  • VIS handout details
  • Counseling provided
  • Contraindications checked

Example Documentation

Patient: John Doe, DOB: 01/01/2010. Vaccines: DTaP, Hib. VIS: DTaP (02/01/2025), Hib (03/01/2025). Counseling: Risks/benefits reviewed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vaccines given.
Good Documentation Example
DTaP and Hib vaccines administered. VIS provided. No contraindications.
Explanation
The good example specifies the vaccines, VIS details, and contraindication check.

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