Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms (Z12) ICD-10-CM
The Z12 code range covers encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms with 25 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 20 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- 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
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code to identify any family history of malignant neoplasm Z80
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.
- encounter for diagnostic examination-code to sign or symptom
Codes in the Z12 Range 25 codes · 20 billable
- Z12 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasmsNon-billable
- Z12.0 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of stomach
- Z12.1 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of intestinal tractNon-billable
- Z12.10 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of intestinal tract, unspecified
- Z12.11 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon
- Z12.12 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum
- Z12.13 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of small intestine
- Z12.2 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs
- Z12.3 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of breastNon-billable
- Z12.31 Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast
- Z12.39 Encounter for other screening for malignant neoplasm of breast
- Z12.4 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix
- Z12.5 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of prostate
- Z12.6 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of bladder
- Z12.7 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other genitourinary organsNon-billable
- Z12.71 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of testis
- Z12.72 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of vagina
- Z12.73 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of ovary
- Z12.79 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other genitourinary organs
- Z12.8 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other sitesNon-billable
- Z12.81 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of oral cavity
- Z12.82 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of nervous system
- Z12.83 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of skin
- Z12.89 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of other sites
- Z12.9 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm, site unspecified
About the Z12 Code Range
ICD-10 code Z12 and its subcodes are used exclusively to document patient encounters aimed at screening for various malignant neoplasms, meaning cancers. These codes cover specific organs or tissues where cancer screening is performed.
The code Z12 indicates a general encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms. More detailed codes specify the location, such as Z12.11 for screening of the colon, which is also known as "screening for malignant neoplasm of colon done," or Z12.4 for cervical cancer screening, commonly noted as "cancer cervix screening and fee claim" or "pap smear done." Other examples include breast cancer screening with Z12.3 and Z12.31 for mammograms, and Z12.5 for prostate cancer screening. Codes also exist for screening malignant neoplasms in the stomach, intestines, respiratory organs, bladder, and other genitourinary and bodily sites, helping coders precisely indicate the cancer screening site during healthcare visits. These codes assist in reporting preventive care examinations specifically conducted to detect or rule out cancer in asymptomatic individuals.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Z12 range?
Of the 25 codes in this range, 20 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 Z12 range classify?
The range classifies encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms. 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.
