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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ22.3

Z22.3

Carrier of other specified bacterial diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z22.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier of other specified bacterial diseases.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z22.3 is used to identify individuals who are carriers of specific bacterial diseases, which may not manifest clinically but can still pose a risk to public health. Carriers may not exhibit symptoms but can transmit the bacteria to others, making it crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage these individuals. Social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and education, significantly influence the health status of carriers. Preventive care for carriers includes regular screenings and vaccinations to mitigate the risk of transmission. Screening for carriers often involves laboratory tests to identify the presence of bacteria, while aftercare may include counseling on hygiene practices and the importance of informing close contacts. Understanding the implications of being a carrier is essential for both individual health and community health initiatives.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for accurate documentation of carrier status and associated risks.
  • Potential for misclassification if symptoms are present.
  • Variability in screening practices across different healthcare settings.
  • Importance of understanding social determinants that may affect carrier status.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of carrier status.
  • Failure to report associated preventive measures taken.
  • Misuse of the code when active disease is present.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for carriers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include patient history, screening results, and any preventive measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where carrier status is identified, screenings for bacterial infections, and aftercare follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as living conditions and access to healthcare services.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include population-level data, surveillance reports, and individual carrier management plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies, community health screenings, and outbreak investigations.

Billing Considerations

Focus on tracking health status and implementing community health interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z22.3 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient is not currently ill but requires care related to their health status
  • 3 should be sequenced appropriately, often as a secondary diagnosis when a related condition is being treated
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to verify coverage for preventive services associated with carrier status

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z22.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99385CPT Code

Initial preventive medicine evaluation and management, new patient, age 18-39 years

Clinical Scenario

Used during a preventive visit where carrier status is assessed.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of carrier status, preventive measures discussed, and any screenings performed.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should emphasize the importance of preventive care for carriers.

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, enabling better tracking of public health concerns and more accurate reporting of preventive care needs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enabling better tracking of public health concerns and more accurate reporting of preventive care needs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding carrier status, enabling better tracking of public health concerns and more accurate reporting of preventive care needs.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Carrier Status and Public Health

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Carrier Status and Public Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented to support the use of Z22.3?

Documentation should include the patient's carrier status, any relevant screening results, preventive measures discussed, and follow-up plans. It is also important to note any social determinants that may impact the patient's health.