ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ22.4

Z22.4

Carrier of infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z22.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier of infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z22.4 is used to identify individuals who are carriers of infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. These individuals may not exhibit symptoms but can still transmit the infection to others. Understanding the social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, education, and socioeconomic status, is crucial in managing these carriers. Preventive care includes regular screenings, counseling on safe sex practices, and education about the implications of being a carrier. Screening for STIs is vital for early detection and management, while aftercare involves ongoing monitoring and support to prevent transmission and manage any potential health complications. This code emphasizes the importance of addressing both clinical and social factors to improve health outcomes for carriers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for thorough documentation of carrier status and risk factors
  • Potential for co-infection with other STIs requiring additional coding
  • Variability in patient presentation and symptomatology
  • Importance of preventive care and follow-up in managing carriers

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of carrier status
  • Failure to document preventive care measures taken
  • Misclassification of asymptomatic carriers as symptomatic
  • Lack of follow-up care documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include patient history, risk factors, and preventive measures taken. Regular screenings and counseling notes are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where STI screening is performed, counseling sessions on safe sex practices, and follow-up visits for carriers.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as access to healthcare, education on STIs, and socioeconomic factors influencing health behaviors.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should focus on population-level data, surveillance of STI prevalence, and preventive health initiatives.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies, community health screenings, and public health campaigns targeting STI prevention.

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on tracking health status and outcomes in populations, addressing disparities in STI transmission and care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z22.4 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient is not currently ill but requires care for a specific condition
  • 4 should be sequenced appropriately, often as a secondary diagnosis when related to an STI or other health conditions
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it's essential to verify coverage for preventive services

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z22.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87186CPT Code

HIV-1 antibody test

Clinical Scenario

Used during routine screenings for patients identified as carriers.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any counseling provided.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive documentation of risk factors.

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, enabling better tracking of STIs and their impact on public health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enabling better tracking of STIs and their impact on public health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enabling better tracking of STIs and their impact on public health.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC STI Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC STI Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What preventive measures should be documented for Z22.4?

Preventive measures include regular STI screenings, counseling on safe sex practices, and education about the implications of being a carrier. Documentation should reflect these activities to support the use of Z22.4.