Encounter for antenatal screening of mother (Z36)
The Z36 ICD-10 code series covers encounters specifically for antenatal screening of the mother, which involve tests and evaluations during pregnancy to check for potential health issues affecting the fetus or mother.
These codes are used to document visits where pregnant women undergo screening for a variety of conditions, such as chromosomal anomalies (Z36.0), raised alphafetoprotein levels (Z36.1), and fetal malformations (Z36.3). For example, the code Z36.5 applies when screening for isoimmunization; sometimes referred to as "Anti-D not detected by screening." Other codes specify screenings for concerns like fetal growth retardation (Z36.4), hydrops fetalis (Z36.81), nuchal translucency (Z36.82), fetal lung maturity (Z36.84), and maternal infections such as Streptococcus B (Z36.85). The Z36.89 code also captures encounters for other specified antenatal screenings, including blood tests for AFP, hepatitis B, HIV, and thalassemia status, helping coders correctly assign codes based on common screening tests. In cases where the specific screening is not identified, Z36.9 is used.
Medical coders can rely on these codes to indicate detailed reasons for antenatal visits focused on screening, facilitating clear communication in health records and billing. Using the correct ICD-10 code for antenatal screening ensures appropriate documentation of the mother’s screening process, which is essential for monitoring pregnancy health and guiding further care.
Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00–Z99)
Persons encountering health services in circumstances related to reproduction (Z30-Z39)
Z36 Encounter for antenatal screening of mother
- Z36.0 Encounter for antenatal screening for chromosomal anomalies
- Z36.1 Encounter for antenatal screening for raised alphafetoprotein level
- Z36.2 Encounter for other antenatal screening follow-up
- Z36.3 Encounter for antenatal screening for malformations
- Z36.4 Encounter for antenatal screening for fetal growth retardation
- Z36.5 Encounter for antenatal screening for isoimmunization
Z36.8 Encounter for other antenatal screening
- Z36.81 Encounter for antenatal screening for hydrops fetalis
- Z36.82 Encounter for antenatal screening for nuchal translucency
- Z36.83 Encounter for fetal screening for congenital cardiac abnormalities
- Z36.84 Encounter for antenatal screening for fetal lung maturity
- Z36.85 Encounter for antenatal screening for Streptococcus B
- Z36.86 Encounter for antenatal screening for cervical length
- Z36.87 Encounter for antenatal screening for uncertain dates
- Z36.88 Encounter for antenatal screening for fetal macrosomia
- Z36.89 Encounter for other specified antenatal screening
- Z36.8A Encounter for antenatal screening for other genetic defects
- Z36.9 Encounter for antenatal screening, unspecified
Encounter for antenatal screening of mother (Z36)
Instructional Notations
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- Encounter for placental sample (taken vaginally)
- 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.
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.
- diagnostic examination- code to sign or symptom
- encounter for suspected maternal and fetal conditions ruled out Z03.7
- suspected fetal condition affecting management of pregnancy - code to condition in Chapter 15
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
