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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ02.83

Z02.83

Encounter for blood-alcohol and blood-drug test

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z02.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of encounter for blood-alcohol and blood-drug test.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z02.83 is used to indicate an encounter for the purpose of conducting blood-alcohol and blood-drug tests. This code is relevant in various clinical contexts, including preventive screenings for substance use disorders, assessments following incidents such as accidents or legal issues, and routine health evaluations in populations at risk for substance abuse. Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and community resources, can influence the need for these tests. Preventive care initiatives often include screenings for substance use to identify at-risk individuals early, allowing for timely intervention. This code is also applicable in aftercare settings where ongoing monitoring of substance use is necessary for recovery and rehabilitation. Accurate documentation of the reason for testing, patient history, and any relevant social factors is essential for proper coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for detailed documentation of the reason for testing
  • Variability in payer requirements for coverage
  • Potential overlap with other Z codes related to substance use
  • Importance of capturing social determinants influencing health status

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation supporting the need for testing
  • Failure to link the encounter to a primary diagnosis
  • Misuse of the code for routine screenings without justification
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the reason for the blood test, patient history, and any relevant social factors influencing substance use.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where substance use screening is indicated, follow-up visits after substance-related incidents.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as housing stability, employment status, and access to support services.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should focus on population-level data, including demographics and prevalence of substance use in the community.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies, community health screenings, and preventive health initiatives targeting substance use.

Billing Considerations

Importance of tracking health status trends and the impact of social factors on substance use rates.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z02.83 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient encounters healthcare services for reasons other than a current illness or injury
  • 83 should be sequenced appropriately, often following a primary diagnosis code that justifies the need for the blood test
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to verify coverage for substance use testing

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z02.83 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80305CPT Code

Drug test, qualitative, multiple drug classes

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with Z02.83 for drug screening during a preventive visit.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the reason for testing and any relevant patient history.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive documentation to support the use of this code.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding, allowing for better tracking of substance use encounters and their impact on health outcomes. Z02.83 provides a clear indication of the purpose of the encounter, which is essential for quality reporting and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding, allowing for better tracking of substance use encounters and their impact on health outcomes. Z02.83 provides a clear indication of the purpose of the encounter, which is essential for quality reporting and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z02.83 be used?

Z02.83 should be used when a patient is encountered specifically for blood-alcohol and blood-drug testing, particularly in preventive screenings or aftercare settings. Proper documentation of the reason for testing is crucial.