ICD-10 Guide

Z22.34

Carrier of Acinetobacter baumannii

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Z22.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier of acinetobacter baumannii.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z22.34 is used to classify individuals who are carriers of Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium that can cause infections, particularly in healthcare settings. Carriers may not exhibit symptoms but can transmit the bacteria to others, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as those with weakened immune systems. Factors influencing health status include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and living conditions, which can affect the likelihood of exposure and transmission. Preventive care focuses on infection control measures, including hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, while screening may involve testing in high-risk settings. Aftercare for carriers may include monitoring for potential infections and educating patients on hygiene practices to prevent spread. Understanding social determinants of health is crucial, as factors like housing stability and access to healthcare services can significantly impact the management of carriers and their interactions with health services.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Need for accurate identification of carrier status versus active infection
Documentation of patient history and potential exposure risks
Understanding of infection control protocols in healthcare settings
Variability in clinical presentation and risk factors among populations

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of carrier status
Failure to differentiate between carrier and active infection
Lack of supporting evidence for social determinants impacting health
Improper sequencing of Z codes with primary diagnoses

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include patient history, risk factors for Acinetobacter exposure, and preventive measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups for carriers, screenings for potential infections, and aftercare follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as living conditions and access to healthcare services.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include population-level data, surveillance of carrier prevalence, and infection control measures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies, community health screenings, and preventive health initiatives.

Billing Considerations

Focus on tracking health status and implementing public health interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z22.34 When

Z codes are used to indicate health status that influences care
34 should be used when a patient is identified as a carrier without active disease
It is important to sequence Z codes appropriately, often following primary diagnosis codes
Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to verify coverage for preventive services

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z22.34 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used during routine checkups for carriers to discuss preventive measures.

Documentation Requirements

Document patient history, risk factors, and preventive care discussions.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care focus on ongoing management and education.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier statuses, improving the ability to track and manage public health concerns related to Acinetobacter baumannii.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier statuses, improving the ability to track and manage public health concerns related to Acinetobacter baumannii.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier statuses, improving the ability to track and manage public health concerns related to Acinetobacter baumannii.

Resources

Clinical References

•
CDC Guidelines on Infection Control

Coding & Billing References

•
CDC Guidelines on Infection Control

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for coding Z22.34?

Documentation must clearly indicate carrier status, any relevant exposure history, and preventive measures discussed with the patient. It should also include any social determinants that may affect the patient's health.

ICD-10 Z22.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier of acinetobacter baumannii.