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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code Z20
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z20

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases

ICD-10-CM Code:
Z20
ICD-10 Code for:
Contact w and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
    (Z00–Z99)
    • Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases
      (Z20-Z29)
      • Contact with and exposure to communicable diseases (Z20)
        (suspected)

Z20 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of contact with and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases. 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 Contact w and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases

Non-specific codes like Z20 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 contact w and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases:

  • Z20.0 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to intestinal infectious diseases - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.01 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to intestinal infectious diseases due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.09 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other intestinal infectious diseases - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.1 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to tuberculosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.2 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.3 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to rabies - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.4 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to rubella - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.5 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to viral hepatitis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.6 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.7 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to pediculosis, acariasis and other infestations - BILLABLE CODE

  • Z20.8 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other communicable diseases - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Z20.81 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other bacterial communicable diseases - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Z20.82 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.89 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other communicable diseases - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Z20.9 for Contact with and (suspected) exposure to unspecified communicable disease - 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.


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.
  • carrier of infectious disease Z22
  • diagnosed current infectious or parasitic disease -see Alphabetic Index

Type 2 Excludes

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.
  • personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases Z86.1

Patient Education


Infectious Diseases

What are infectious diseases?

Germs, or microbes, are found everywhere - in the air, soil, and water. There are also germs on your skin and in your body. Many of them are harmless, and some can even be helpful. But some of them can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs.

What are the different types of germs that cause infectious diseases?

There are four main types of germs:

  • Bacteria are one-celled germs that multiply quickly. They may give off toxins, which are harmful chemicals that can make you sick. Strep throat and urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections.
  • Viruses are tiny capsules that contain genetic material. They invade your cells so that they can multiply. This can kill, damage, or change the cells and make you sick. Viral infections include HIV and the common cold.
  • Fungi are primitive plant-like organisms such as mushrooms, mold, mildew, and yeasts. Athlete's foot and yeast infections are common fungal infections.
  • Parasites are animals or plants that survive by living on or in other living things. Malaria and head lice are infections that are caused by parasites.

How can you get infectious diseases?

There are many different ways that you can get an infectious disease:

  • Through direct contact with a person who is sick. This includes kissing, touching, sneezing, coughing, and sexual contact. Pregnant people can also pass some germs along to their babies.
  • Through indirect contact, when you touch something that has germs on it. For example, you could get germs if someone who is sick touched a door handle, and then you touch it.
  • Through insect or animal bites.
  • Through contaminated food, water, soil, or plants.

What are the symptoms of infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases can cause many different symptoms. Some are so mild that you may not even notice any symptoms, while others can be life-threatening.

What are the treatments for infectious diseases?

There are treatments for some infectious diseases, such as antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and anti-parasitic medicines. But for other infections, such as some caused by viruses, you can only treat your symptoms.

Can infectious diseases be prevented?

You can take steps to prevent many infectious diseases:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Wash your hands often
  • Pay attention to food safety
  • Avoid contact with wild animals
  • Practice safe sex (use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex)
  • Don't share items such as toothbrushes, combs, and straws

[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.