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ICD-10 Coding for Medical Clearance(Z01.818, Z01.810)

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

Also known as:

Preoperative ClearancePre-op EvaluationSurgical Clearance

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Medical Clearance

Z01.81-Z01.89Primary Range

Encounter for other specified special examinations

This range includes codes for preprocedural examinations, which are essential for documenting medical clearance for surgeries and other procedures.

Encounter for administrative examinations

This range includes codes for non-procedural clearances such as return-to-work evaluations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z01.818Encounter for other preprocedural examinationUse for general pre-op clearance when multiple systems are evaluated.
  • Documented systemic evaluation
  • Specific test results such as EKG, lab values
Z01.810Encounter for preprocedural cardiovascular examinationUse when the primary focus is on cardiovascular evaluation.
  • EKG results
  • Cardiology consult note

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 pre-op clearance

Essential facts and insights about Medical Clearance

The ICD-10 code for pre-op clearance is Z01.818, used for systemic evaluations before surgery.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for medical clearance icd 10

Encounter for other preprocedural examination
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of multiple system evaluations

Applicable To

  • Preoperative clearance

Excludes

  • Routine general medical examination (Z00.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented systemic evaluation
  • Specific test results such as EKG, lab values

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overcoding if used without specific surgical indication

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the need for a pre-op evaluation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use to document hypertension as a comorbidity affecting clearance.

Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris

I25.10
Use to document coronary artery disease as a comorbidity.

Differential Codes

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

Encounter for preprocedural cardiovascular examination

Z01.810
Use when the primary focus is on cardiovascular evaluation.

Encounter for other preprocedural examination

Z01.818
Use Z01.818 for general pre-op clearance involving multiple systems.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Medical Clearance to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z01.818.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of detailed assessment may lead to missed risks., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Include specific test results and assessments, Use structured templates

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair with the procedure code (e.g., M17.11 for knee osteoarthritis).

Impact

Lack of detailed documentation for pre-op clearance can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all evaluations and test results.

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

Documentation Templates for Medical Clearance

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

Pre-Op Clearance for Knee Replacement

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Indication for surgery
  • Cardiac and respiratory assessments
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

**Preoperative Assessment** - **Indication**: [M17.11 - Right knee osteoarthritis] - **Cardiac**: EKG sinus rhythm, METs 6, no chest pain - **Respiratory**: FEV1 78%, room air SpO2 97% - **Labs**: HbA1c 7.2%, Cr 1.0 mg/dL - **Clearance Statement**: "No contraindications to elective surgery under general anesthesia."

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient cleared for surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Z01.818 supported by cardiac/respiratory testing; comorbidities optimized.
Explanation
The good example provides specific assessments and test results supporting the clearance.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Medical Clearance? Ask your questions below.

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