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

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

Also known as:

STD ExposureSexual Contact with STD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sexually Transmitted Disease Exposure

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 Sexually Transmitted Disease Exposure

The ICD-10 code for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases is Z20.2, used when a patient has been exposed to a partner with a confirmed STI.

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

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports exposure to a partner with a confirmed STI.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of the exposure event and partner's diagnosis.

Applicable To

  • Exposure to sexually transmitted infections

Excludes

  • Confirmed sexually transmitted infections (A50-A64)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented exposure to a partner with a confirmed STI
  • Patient's report of high-risk sexual behavior

Code-Specific Risks

  • Cannot be used as a principal diagnosis if a confirmed infection is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of exposure and the partner's confirmed diagnosis.

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 screening in asymptomatic patients.

Differential Codes

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

Gonococcal infection, unspecified

A54.9
Use A54.9 when there is a confirmed diagnosis of gonorrhea.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Increased risk of audit queries., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of exposure events., Verify partner's diagnosis with lab results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the confirmed infection code as the principal diagnosis and Z20.2 as a secondary code.

Impact

Using Z20.2 as a principal diagnosis when a confirmed infection is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on correct sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Sexually Transmitted Disease Exposure

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

Patient exposed to partner with confirmed STI

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Exposure details
  • Partner's diagnosis
  • Patient's symptoms
  • Planned interventions

Example Documentation

Patient reports unprotected intercourse with partner diagnosed with gonorrhea. No symptoms reported. Plan: STI testing and prophylactic treatment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient exposed to STD.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports unprotected sex with partner diagnosed with chlamydia on 03/24/25. No symptoms. Testing and prophylaxis planned.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the exposure and partner's diagnosis, supporting the use of Z20.2.

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

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