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ICD-10 Coding for Varicella Titer(Z20.820, Z23)

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

Also known as:

Chickenpox TiterVaricella-Zoster Antibody Test

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Varicella Titer

Z20-Z29Primary Range

Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases

Includes codes for exposure to communicable diseases, such as varicella.

Factors influencing health status and contact with health services

Includes codes for routine health examinations and screenings.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z20.820Contact with and (suspected) exposure to varicellaUse when testing is due to exposure to varicella, such as in healthcare settings.
  • Documented exposure to a confirmed varicella case
  • Quantitative IgG titer ordered
Z23Encounter for immunizationUse when the titer is part of pre-vaccination screening.
  • Pre-vaccination screening for varicella immunity

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 varicella titer

Essential facts and insights about Varicella Titer

The ICD-10 code for varicella titer related to exposure is Z20.820. For routine screening, use Z11.3, and for pre-vaccination, use Z23.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for varicella titer

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to varicella
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed exposure to varicella

Applicable To

  • Exposure to varicella

Excludes

  • Active varicella infection (B01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented exposure to a confirmed varicella case
  • Quantitative IgG titer ordered

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using this code without confirmed exposure

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies exposure context.

Ancillary Codes

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

Varicella-zoster virus antibody, IgG

86787
Use with Z20.820 for exposure testing.

Differential Codes

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

Varicella without complication

B01.9
Use B01.9 for active varicella infection, not for exposure.

Encounter for screening for viral diseases

Z11.3
Use Z11.3 for routine immunity checks without exposure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Varicella Titer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z20.820.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect clinical decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include quantitative titer results., Educate staff on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if B01.9 is used incorrectly., Compliance: Incorrect coding can lead to compliance issues., Data Quality: Misleading data on varicella exposure and infection rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z20.820 for exposure without active infection.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of exposure context.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed exposure history is recorded.

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

Documentation Templates for Varicella Titer

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

Healthcare Worker Exposure

Specialty: Occupational Health

Required Elements

  • Exposure details
  • Quantitative IgG titer result
  • Follow-up actions

Example Documentation

Employee exposed to varicella; IgG titer = 2.5 S/CO, follow-up in 6 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Exposed to chickenpox, immune.
Good Documentation Example
Exposed to varicella; IgG titer = 2.5 S/CO, follow-up in 6 weeks.
Explanation
The good example provides quantitative data and follow-up plan.

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

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