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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code Z16
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z16

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs

ICD-10-CM Code:
Z16
ICD-10 Code for:
Resistance to antimicrobial drugs
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
    (Z00–Z99)
    • Resistance to antimicrobial drugs
      (Z16)
      • Resistance to antimicrobial drugs
        (Z16)

Z16 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of resistance to antimicrobial drugs. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Resistance to antimicrobial drugs

Non-specific codes like Z16 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for resistance to antimicrobial drugs:

  • Z16.1 for Resistance to beta lactam antibiotics - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.10 for Resistance to unspecified beta lactam antibiotics - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.11 for Resistance to penicillins - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.12 for Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) resistance - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.13 for Resistance to carbapenem - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.19 for Resistance to other specified beta lactam antibiotics - BILLABLE CODE

  • Z16.2 for Resistance to other antibiotics - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.20 for Resistance to unspecified antibiotic - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.21 for Resistance to vancomycin - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.22 for Resistance to vancomycin related antibiotics - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.23 for Resistance to quinolones and fluoroquinolones - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.24 for Resistance to multiple antibiotics - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.29 for Resistance to other single specified antibiotic - BILLABLE CODE

  • Z16.3 for Resistance to other antimicrobial drugs - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.30 for Resistance to unspecified antimicrobial drugs - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.31 for Resistance to antiparasitic drug(s) - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.32 for Resistance to antifungal drug(s) - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.33 for Resistance to antiviral drug(s) - BILLABLE CODE

  • Z16.34 for Resistance to antimycobacterial drug(s) - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.35 for Resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z16.39 for Resistance to other specified antimicrobial drug - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Code First

Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
  • the infection

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection A49.02
  • Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia J15.212
  • Sepsis due to Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus A41.02

  • The codes in this category are provided for use as additional codes to identify the resistance and non-responsiveness of a condition to antimicrobial drugs.

Patient Education


Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, they can save lives. But there is a growing problem of antibiotic resistance. It happens when bacteria change and resist the effects of an antibiotic. Resistant bacteria may continue to grow and multiply.

Each time you take antibiotics there is a risk that the bacteria will become resistant. Resistant infections can be difficult and sometimes impossible to treat. They can spread to other people. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one example. It causes infections that are resistant to several common antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance can cause problems. To help prevent antibiotic resistance:

  • Don't use antibiotics for viruses like colds or flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.
  • Don't ask your health care provider to give you an antibiotic.
  • When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
  • Do not share your antibiotics with others.
  • Don't save antibiotics for later or use someone else's prescription.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.