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ICD-10 Coding for Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease(Z20.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

STD ExposureContact with STD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease

Z20-Z29Primary Range

Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases

This range includes codes for contact with and exposure to communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for STD exposure

Essential facts and insights about Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease

The ICD-10 code for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases is Z20.2, used when a patient reports contact with a partner diagnosed with an STD and is asymptomatic.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for exposure to sexually transmitted disease

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports contact with a partner diagnosed with an STD and is asymptomatic.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use as a principal diagnosis in inpatient settings.

Applicable To

  • Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented contact with a partner diagnosed with an STD
  • No symptoms present at the time of encounter

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using as a principal diagnosis in inpatient settings
  • Using without documented partner diagnosis

Coding Notes

  • Z20.2 is often used as a secondary code in inpatient settings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

Z11.3
Use for routine STD screening without known exposure.

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 Z20.6 specifically for HIV exposure, not Z20.2.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z20.2.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate clinical assessment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: May result in claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on specific documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z20.2 as a secondary code; the principal diagnosis should be the reason for admission.

Impact

Lack of specific details about the exposure can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and ensure thorough documentation.

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 Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

STD Exposure in Primary Care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Exposure source
  • Date of last contact
  • Symptoms
  • Testing ordered

Example Documentation

Patient reports unprotected intercourse with partner diagnosed with chlamydia on 03/24/2025. Asymptomatic. NAAT ordered.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Possible STD exposure.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports unprotected intercourse with partner diagnosed with gonorrhea on 03/24/2025. Asymptomatic. Testing initiated.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the exposure and clinical intent.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Disease? Ask your questions below.

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