Q&A: Reporting COVID-19 screenings in ICD-10-CM

Q: Is there is any guidance on ICD-10-CM reporting for screening for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? For example, a patient was admitted with pneumonia and the physician documented “COVID-19 screening completed–NEGATIVE.” Would it be appropriate to assign ICD-10-CM code Z11.59 (encounter for screening for other viral diseases) for this?

A: ICD-10-CM code Z11.59 is a screening code and screenings would only be performed for patients who are asymptomatic. Currently, I don’t believe testing is being done on asymptomatic patients. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for a symptomatic patient.

For cases where there is a concern about a possible exposure to COVID-19 but it is ruled out after evaluation, it would be appropriate to assign code Z03.818 (encounter for observation for suspected exposure to other biological agents ruled out), according to recent Coding Clinic guidance.

When a patient has actual exposure to someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, Coding Clinic said it would be appropriate to assign the code Z20.828 (contact with and [suspected] exposure to other viral communicable diseases).

If the provider documents “suspected,” “possible,” or “probable” COVID-19, do not assign code B97.29 (other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere), assign a code(s) for the reason for the encounter.

Editor’s note: Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, regulatory specialist for HCPro in Middleton, Massachusetts answered this question.

This answer was provided based on limited information. Be sure to review all documentation specific to your own individual scenario before determining appropriate code assignment.

Need expert coding advice? Submit your question to editor Amanda Norris at anorris@hcpro.com, and we’ll do our best to get an answer for you.