Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Pregnancy Screening(Z36.0, O28.1)

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

Also known as:

Antenatal ScreeningPrenatal Screening

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pregnancy Screening

Z36Primary Range

Encounter for antenatal screening of mother

This range covers all encounters specifically for antenatal screening procedures.

Abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother

This range is used when abnormal findings are detected during antenatal screening.

Weeks of gestation

This range is used to specify the gestational age in weeks, which is required with Z36 codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z36.0Encounter for antenatal screening for chromosomal anomaliesUse for routine antenatal screening for chromosomal anomalies.
  • Nuchal translucency ≥3.5mm
  • PAPP-A <0.4 MoM
  • Free β-hCG >2.5 MoM
O28.1Abnormal biochemical finding on antenatal screeningUse when biochemical abnormalities are found during antenatal screening.
  • MSAFP ≥2.5 MoM

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 pregnancy screening

Essential facts and insights about Pregnancy Screening

The ICD-10 code for pregnancy screening is Z36, used for encounters specifically for antenatal screening.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pregnancy screening

Encounter for antenatal screening for chromosomal anomalies
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of risk factors for chromosomal anomalies.

Applicable To

  • Screening for Down syndrome
  • Screening for trisomy 18

Excludes

  • O28.5 - Abnormal chromosomal and genetic finding on antenatal screening

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Nuchal translucency ≥3.5mm
  • PAPP-A <0.4 MoM
  • Free β-hCG >2.5 MoM

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use when abnormal findings are present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of screening and gestational age.

Ancillary Codes

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

15 weeks gestation

Z3A.15
Use to specify the gestational age when using Z36.0.

23 weeks gestation

Z3A.23
Use to specify the gestational age when using O28.1.

Differential Codes

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

Abnormal chromosomal and genetic finding on antenatal screening

O28.5
Use O28.5 when abnormal findings are detected during screening.

Encounter for antenatal screening for raised AFP level

Z36.1
Use Z36.1 for routine AFP screening without abnormal findings.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pregnancy Screening to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z36.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misinterpretation of screening results., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document gestational age with Z3A codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use O28 codes for abnormal findings.

Impact

Failure to document gestational age can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for gestational age in EHR systems.

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

Documentation Templates for Pregnancy Screening

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

Routine Antenatal Screening

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Type of screening
  • Screening results
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents for routine antenatal screening for chromosomal anomalies at 15 weeks gestation. Screening includes nuchal translucency and serum markers.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Routine prenatal visit.
Good Documentation Example
Encounter for antenatal screening for chromosomal anomalies at 15 weeks gestation. Nuchal translucency and serum markers assessed.
Explanation
The good example specifies the purpose of the visit and the type of screening performed.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pregnancy Screening? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more