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 CodesZ13.39

Z13.39

Encounter for screening examination for other mental health and behavioral disorders

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z13.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of encounter for screening examination for other mental health and behavioral disorders.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z13.39 is utilized during encounters for screening examinations aimed at identifying various mental health and behavioral disorders that do not fall under specific categories. This code is crucial in preventive care, as it allows healthcare providers to assess patients for conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders, which may not be immediately apparent. Social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare, significantly influence mental health outcomes. By using Z13.39, providers can address these factors during routine screenings, ensuring that patients receive appropriate referrals and interventions. Preventive care through screening can lead to early detection and management of mental health issues, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term healthcare costs. This code is particularly relevant in primary care settings, where comprehensive health assessments are conducted, and in public health initiatives aimed at monitoring and improving community mental health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of mental health conditions that may be screened under this code
  • Need for thorough documentation to justify the screening
  • Potential overlap with other Z codes related to mental health
  • Variability in payer requirements for coverage of screenings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the screening process
  • Failure to link the Z code to a relevant clinical encounter
  • Misuse of the code for non-preventive visits
  • Inconsistent application of screening guidelines

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the reason for the screening, the specific mental health conditions being assessed, and any relevant patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where mental health screenings are performed, such as PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as housing stability, employment status, and access to mental health resources.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include population-level data, screening outcomes, and follow-up actions taken based on screening results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Community health fairs offering mental health screenings and assessments for at-risk populations.

Billing Considerations

Focus on tracking health disparities and outcomes related to social determinants of health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z13.39 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient is not currently ill but requires screening or preventive services
  • When coding Z13
  • 39, it should be sequenced appropriately, often as a secondary diagnosis following a primary diagnosis related to the patient's visit
  • Payer requirements may vary, so coders should verify coverage for mental health screenings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z13.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

96127CPT Code

Brief emotional/behavioral assessment

Clinical Scenario

Used during a preventive visit where mental health screening is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the assessment tool used and results.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive mental health assessments are included in routine care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding mental health screenings, enabling better tracking of mental health conditions and outcomes. Z13.39 provides a broader category for various mental health screenings, which can enhance data collection and analysis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding mental health screenings, enabling better tracking of mental health conditions and outcomes. Z13.39 provides a broader category for various mental health screenings, which can enhance data collection and analysis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
  • •
    Mental Health America Screening Tools

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
  • •
    Mental Health America Screening Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z13.39 be used instead of specific mental health codes?

Z13.39 should be used when a patient is undergoing a general screening for mental health and behavioral disorders, and no specific diagnosis has been established yet. It is essential to document the screening process and any findings to support the use of this code.