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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ28.39

Z28.39

Other underimmunization status

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z28.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other underimmunization status.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z28.39 is used to indicate a status of underimmunization that does not fall under more specific categories. This code captures patients who may not have received all recommended vaccinations due to various factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to healthcare services, cultural beliefs, or misinformation about vaccines. Understanding the social determinants of health is crucial, as these factors can significantly influence an individual's health status and their interaction with health services. Preventive care, such as immunization, is essential in reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Screening for immunization status during routine health visits can help identify underimmunized patients, allowing for timely interventions. Aftercare may involve follow-up appointments to ensure vaccinations are administered according to the recommended schedule, addressing any barriers to care, and providing education to patients and families about the importance of immunizations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of reasons for underimmunization, requiring thorough documentation.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to identify barriers.
  • Potential overlap with other Z codes related to immunization.
  • Variability in immunization schedules and recommendations.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of reasons for underimmunization.
  • Failure to capture social determinants affecting immunization status.
  • Misuse of Z28.39 when a more specific Z code applies.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for aftercare related to immunizations.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include immunization history, reasons for underimmunization, and any interventions taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where immunization status is assessed, screenings for vaccine-preventable diseases, and aftercare follow-ups for missed vaccinations.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as access to healthcare, education level, and cultural beliefs that may affect immunization.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include population-level data, surveillance of immunization rates, and interventions to improve vaccination coverage.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies assessing vaccination rates in communities, outreach programs to increase immunization, and tracking of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.

Billing Considerations

Focus on community health initiatives and the impact of social determinants on public health outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z28.39 When
  • Z codes are used to indicate a patient's health status or circumstances that affect their health
  • 39 should be used when a patient is underimmunized but does not fit into more specific categories
  • It is important to sequence Z codes appropriately, often following a primary diagnosis related to a health condition
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to check specific guidelines for coverage of preventive services

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z28.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

90460CPT Code

Immunization administration through 18 years of age

Clinical Scenario

Used during routine checkups to administer vaccines and document immunization status.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of vaccine administered and patient immunization history.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive immunization records are maintained.

99381CPT Code

Initial comprehensive preventive medicine evaluation and management of an individual

Clinical Scenario

Used for well-child visits where immunization status is assessed.

Documentation Requirements

Complete history and physical examination, including immunization status.

Specialty Considerations

Focus on preventive care and education regarding immunizations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding underimmunization statuses, enabling better tracking of immunization rates and identification of barriers to care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding underimmunization statuses, enabling better tracking of immunization rates and identification of barriers to care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding underimmunization statuses, enabling better tracking of immunization rates and identification of barriers to care.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Immunization Guidelines
  • •
    Healthy People 2030 Immunization Objectives

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Immunization Guidelines
  • •
    Healthy People 2030 Immunization Objectives

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z28.39 be used instead of more specific underimmunization codes?

Z28.39 should be used when the patient's underimmunization status does not fit into the more specific categories of refusal or contraindications. It is essential to document the reasons for underimmunization clearly to support this coding.