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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ22.2

Z22.2

Carrier of diphtheria

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z22.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier of diphtheria.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z22.2 is used to identify individuals who are carriers of diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Carriers may not exhibit symptoms but can still transmit the bacteria to others, posing a public health risk. Understanding the social determinants of health is crucial, as factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and community awareness can influence the prevalence of diphtheria carriers. Preventive care includes vaccination programs and public health education to reduce transmission. Screening for carriers is essential in outbreak situations, particularly in high-risk populations. Aftercare may involve monitoring and follow-up to ensure that carriers do not develop symptoms or spread the infection. Proper documentation of carrier status is vital for effective public health interventions and to inform healthcare providers of potential risks.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for accurate identification of carrier status versus active disease
  • Documentation of exposure history and potential transmission risks
  • Integration of social determinants affecting carrier prevalence
  • Coordination with public health reporting requirements

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of carrier status
  • Failure to report potential exposure or transmission risks
  • Misclassification of carrier versus active disease
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for preventive measures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include patient history, vaccination status, and any symptoms or lack thereof. Preventive measures taken should be recorded.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where carrier status is assessed, screenings for diphtheria in at-risk populations, and aftercare follow-ups for carriers.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as access to healthcare, education on diphtheria prevention, and community vaccination rates.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include population-level data, surveillance reports, and tracking of carrier cases within communities.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies, outbreak investigations, and preventive health campaigns targeting diphtheria.

Billing Considerations

Focus on reporting requirements and health status tracking to monitor and control diphtheria transmission.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z22.2 When
  • Z codes are used to indicate factors influencing health status and contact with health services
  • 2 should be used when a patient is identified as a carrier of diphtheria without active disease
  • It should be sequenced appropriately based on the primary reason for the visit, and payers may require documentation of preventive measures taken

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z22.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

90471CPT Code

Immunization administration

Clinical Scenario

Administering diphtheria vaccine to a carrier during a preventive visit.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of vaccine administered and patient education provided.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care should ensure follow-up on vaccination status.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enhancing public health tracking and preventive care efforts.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enhancing public health tracking and preventive care efforts.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enhancing public health tracking and preventive care efforts.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Diphtheria Prevention Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Diphtheria Prevention Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of coding Z22.2 accurately?

Accurate coding of Z22.2 is crucial for public health tracking and ensuring that carriers receive appropriate preventive care. It helps in monitoring outbreaks and implementing community health strategies.