2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z12Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms

ICD-10-CM CodesZ00–Z99Z00-Z13Z12

ICD-10-CM Z12
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Z12 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Z12.0, Z12.10, Z12.11, and Z12.12.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Z12
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms
Short Description
Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
Z00-Z13
Persons encountering health services for examinations

Code Classification

ChapterZ00–Z99Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
SectionZ00-Z13Persons encountering health services for examinations
CategoryZ12Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms
This CodeZ12Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms

Specific Coding for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasmsOverview

Non-specific codes like Z12 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Z12.0 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of stomach

  • Z12.1 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of intestinal tract

  • Use Z12.10 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of intestinal tract, unspecified

  • Use Z12.11 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon

  • Use Z12.12 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum

  • Use Z12.13 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of small intestine

  • Use Z12.2 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs

  • Z12.3 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of breast

  • Use Z12.31 for Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast

  • Use Z12.39 for Encounter for other screening for malignant neoplasm of breast

  • Use Z12.4 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix

  • Use Z12.5 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of prostate

  • Use Z12.6 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of bladder

  • Z12.7 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other genitourinary organs

  • Use Z12.71 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of testis

  • Use Z12.72 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of vagina

  • Use Z12.73 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of ovary

  • Use Z12.79 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other genitourinary organs

  • Z12.8 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other sites

  • Use Z12.81 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of oral cavity

  • Use Z12.82 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of nervous system

  • Use Z12.83 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of skin

  • Use Z12.89 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other sites

  • Use Z12.9 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm, site unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Screening is the testing for disease or disease precursors in asymptomatic individuals so that early detection and treatment can be provided for those who test positive for the disease.

Use Additional Code

  • code to identify any family history of malignant neoplasm Z80

Type 1 Excludes

  • encounter for diagnostic examination-code to sign or symptom

Patient EducationClinical

Health Screening

Screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they're easier to treat. You can get some screenings in your doctor's office. Others need special equipment, so you may need to go to a different office or clinic.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Z12Overview

Is Z12 (Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms need a more specific code from this category, such as Z12.0, Z12.10, and Z12.11.