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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ62.3

Z62.3

Hostility towards and scapegoating of child

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z62.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hostility towards and scapegoating of child.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z62.3 refers to situations where a child is subjected to hostility or scapegoating, which can significantly impact their mental and emotional health. This code is crucial in recognizing the social determinants of health that influence a child's well-being, including family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and community support systems. Preventive care may involve counseling for families to address underlying issues contributing to hostility, while screening can include assessments for emotional distress in children. Aftercare may involve ongoing therapy or support services to mitigate the effects of such negative experiences. Understanding the context of this code is essential for healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care and support for affected children.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires thorough documentation of family dynamics and social context.
  • Involves understanding of psychological impacts on children.
  • May necessitate interdisciplinary collaboration for effective care.
  • Potential for misinterpretation without clear clinical indicators.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the child's experiences and family interactions.
  • Failure to link the code to appropriate preventive or aftercare services.
  • Misuse of the code without clear evidence of hostility or scapegoating.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include details of the child's emotional state, family interactions, and any referrals made for counseling or therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where emotional well-being is assessed, screenings for behavioral issues, and aftercare for children previously identified as victims of scapegoating.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as family structure, economic stability, and community resources is essential.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Population-level data collection on the prevalence of hostility towards children, including demographic information and community resources available.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies assessing the impact of family dynamics on child health outcomes and preventive initiatives aimed at reducing hostility.

Billing Considerations

Focus on health status tracking and community interventions to support affected families.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z62.3 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient encounters health services for reasons other than a current illness or injury
  • 3 should be sequenced appropriately, often as a secondary diagnosis to capture the social context of a child's health
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it's essential to verify coverage for preventive and aftercare services linked to this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z62.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

96127CPT Code

Brief emotional/behavioral assessment

Clinical Scenario

Used during a visit where Z62.3 is documented to assess the child's emotional state.

Documentation Requirements

Document the assessment findings and any referrals made.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive evaluations are conducted.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants of health, such as hostility towards children, enabling better tracking and intervention strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants of health, such as hostility towards children, enabling better tracking and intervention strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants of health, such as hostility towards children, enabling better tracking and intervention strategies.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Preventive Guidelines for Child Mental Health

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Preventive Guidelines for Child Mental Health

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z62.3 be used?

Z62.3 should be used when a child is experiencing hostility or scapegoating, impacting their emotional health. It is essential to document the context and any preventive or therapeutic measures taken.