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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ62.21

Z62.21

Child in welfare custody

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z62.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of child in welfare custody.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z62.21 is used to indicate that a child is in welfare custody, which can significantly influence their health status and access to health services. Children in welfare custody often face various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic instability, exposure to trauma, and lack of stable housing. These factors can lead to increased health risks, necessitating preventive care and regular screenings to monitor their physical and mental health. Preventive care may include vaccinations, developmental screenings, and mental health assessments. Aftercare is crucial for these children, as they may require ongoing support and follow-up services to address the effects of their circumstances. Proper documentation is essential to capture the complexities of their health needs and the services provided, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and resources.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation requirements across different health services
  • Need for comprehensive understanding of social determinants of health
  • Potential for multiple co-occurring health issues
  • Importance of accurate sequencing with other diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the child's welfare status
  • Failure to link Z62.21 with appropriate preventive or aftercare services
  • Misuse of the code in non-relevant clinical scenarios
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include preventive care visits, screenings, and any referrals made for additional services.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups, developmental screenings, and mental health assessments.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the child's living situation and any trauma history is crucial for comprehensive care.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should focus on population health metrics, tracking health outcomes, and preventive measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on reporting health disparities and outcomes related to welfare custody.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z62.21 When
  • Z codes should be used when a patient's health status is influenced by social factors
  • 21 should be sequenced appropriately, often as a secondary diagnosis, following any primary diagnosis related to the child's health condition
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it's essential to verify coverage policies regarding Z code usage

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z62.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99381CPT Code

Preventive medicine visit, new patient

Clinical Scenario

Used for a routine preventive visit for a child in welfare custody.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the child's custody status and any preventive services provided.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive assessments considering the child's background.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding, particularly for social determinants of health like those affecting children in welfare custody. This specificity aids in better tracking and addressing the health needs of this vulnerable population.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding, particularly for social determinants of health like those affecting children in welfare custody. This specificity aids in better tracking and addressing the health needs of this vulnerable population.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding, particularly for social determinants of health like those affecting children in welfare custody. This specificity aids in better tracking and addressing the health needs of this vulnerable population.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Preventive Health Guidelines for Children

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Preventive Health Guidelines for Children

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z62.21 be used?

Z62.21 should be used when a child is in welfare custody and is receiving health services. It is important to document the child's custody status and any preventive or aftercare services provided.