Encounter for attention to artificial openings (Z43) ICD-10-CM
The Z43 code range covers encounter for attention to artificial openings with 11 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 10 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- closure of artificial openings
- passage of sounds or bougies through artificial openings
- reforming artificial openings
- removal of catheter from artificial openings
- toilet or cleansing of artificial openings
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.
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.
Codes in the Z43 Range 11 codes · 10 billable
- Z43 Encounter for attention to artificial openingsNon-billable
- Z43.0 Encounter for attention to tracheostomy
- Z43.1 Encounter for attention to gastrostomy
- Z43.2 Encounter for attention to ileostomy
- Z43.3 Encounter for attention to colostomy
- Z43.4 Encounter for attention to other artificial openings of digestive tract
- Z43.5 Encounter for attention to cystostomy
- Z43.6 Encounter for attention to other artificial openings of urinary tract
- Z43.7 Encounter for attention to artificial vagina
- Z43.8 Encounter for attention to other artificial openings
- Z43.9 Encounter for attention to unspecified artificial opening
About the Z43 Code Range
The ICD-10 code Z43 and its subcodes are used to document medical encounters focused on the care and management of various artificial openings in the body. These codes help specify attention given to stomas or surgically created openings such as tracheostomies and different types of ostomies.
This section includes codes like Z43.0 for tracheostomy care and specific codes for digestive tract openings such as Z43.1 for gastrostomy, Z43.2 for ileostomy, and Z43.3 for colostomy. These codes cover activities such as changing gastrostomy or ostomy bags, often noted as "gastrostomy bag changed" or "ileostomy bag changed." Attention to urinary tract openings is captured by codes like Z43.5 for cystostomy and Z43.6 for other urinary artificial openings, including adjustments to urinary stoma bags. Additionally, Z43.7 refers to care related to an artificial vagina. For unspecified or less common artificial openings, Z43.9 includes encounters related to issues like ischemia of a stoma. These codes are essential for accurately documenting aftercare of artificial openings during outpatient or follow-up visits, using the ICD-10 code for tracheostomy or the related ostomy depending on the specific opening managed.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Z43 range?
Of the 11 codes in this range, 10 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the Z43 range classify?
The range classifies encounter for attention to artificial openings. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
