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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ22.31

Z22.31

Carrier of bacterial disease due to meningococci

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Z22.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier of bacterial disease due to meningococci.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z22.31 is used to identify individuals who are carriers of meningococcal bacteria but do not exhibit symptoms of meningococcal disease. Carriers can transmit the bacteria to others, making it crucial for public health monitoring and preventive measures. Social determinants of health, such as living conditions, access to healthcare, and community awareness, significantly influence the risk of meningococcal carriage and subsequent disease outbreaks. Preventive care includes vaccination against meningococcal disease, especially in high-risk populations such as college students and military recruits. Screening for carriers may be conducted in outbreak situations or among high-risk groups. Aftercare involves monitoring for symptoms and educating carriers about transmission risks and preventive strategies. Proper documentation is essential to ensure accurate coding and to facilitate appropriate public health responses.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for thorough patient history to confirm carrier status
  • Documentation of preventive measures taken
  • Understanding of public health implications and reporting requirements
  • Differentiation from symptomatic meningococcal disease

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of carrier status
  • Failure to document preventive measures or education provided
  • Misuse of the code in symptomatic patients
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for carriers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Document patient history, preventive measures taken, and education provided regarding transmission risks.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where carrier status is assessed, vaccinations administered, and patient education on meningococcal disease is provided.

Billing Considerations

Consider social determinants such as living conditions, access to healthcare, and community vaccination rates.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Maintain records of carrier prevalence in the community, vaccination rates, and outbreak responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies, outbreak investigations, and community health assessments.

Billing Considerations

Focus on population-level health data and the impact of social determinants on disease transmission.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z22.31 When
  • Z codes are used to indicate factors influencing health status and should be sequenced appropriately
  • 31 should not be used as a primary diagnosis if the patient has active meningococcal disease
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to verify coverage for preventive services

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z22.31 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

90620CPT Code

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Clinical Scenario

Administered to carriers during preventive visits.

Documentation Requirements

Document vaccination date, type, and patient education provided.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure that vaccination records are up to date.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, improving public health tracking and preventive care efforts.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, improving public health tracking and preventive care efforts.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, improving public health tracking and preventive care efforts.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Prevention Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Prevention Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z22.31 be used?

Z22.31 should be used when a patient is identified as a carrier of meningococcal bacteria but does not exhibit symptoms of the disease. It is essential to document the carrier status and any preventive measures taken.