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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ22.322

Z22.322

Carrier or suspected carrier of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z22.322 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carrier or suspected carrier of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z22.322 is used to identify individuals who are carriers or suspected carriers of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a significant public health concern due to its resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Carriers may not exhibit symptoms but can transmit the bacteria to others, making screening and preventive measures crucial. Factors influencing health status include living conditions, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status, which can affect the likelihood of MRSA colonization and transmission. Preventive care strategies involve education on hygiene practices, screening in high-risk populations, and monitoring in healthcare settings. Understanding social determinants of health is essential, as individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have limited access to healthcare resources, increasing their risk of being carriers. Regular screening and aftercare are vital for managing potential outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for thorough documentation of carrier status and risk factors.
  • Potential for misclassification if symptoms are present.
  • Variability in screening practices across different healthcare settings.
  • Importance of understanding social determinants affecting carrier status.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of carrier status.
  • Failure to report associated risk factors.
  • Misuse of the code in symptomatic patients.
  • Lack of preventive care documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Document patient history, risk factors, and preventive measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where MRSA screening is indicated, follow-up visits for carriers.

Billing Considerations

Consider social determinants such as housing and access to hygiene resources.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Collect data for epidemiological tracking and community health assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Outbreak investigations, community screenings, and educational outreach.

Billing Considerations

Focus on population health strategies and interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z22.322 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient is not currently ill but requires monitoring or preventive care
  • When coding Z22
  • 322, ensure it is not the primary diagnosis unless the patient is asymptomatic
  • Follow payer guidelines for documentation and reporting requirements

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z22.322 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99401CPT Code

Preventive medicine counseling

Clinical Scenario

Used during visits for education on MRSA prevention.

Documentation Requirements

Document counseling provided regarding hygiene and infection prevention.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should emphasize the importance of hygiene.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding MRSA carrier status, improving data collection and public health tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding MRSA carrier status, improving data collection and public health tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding MRSA carrier status, improving data collection and public health tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC MRSA Prevention Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC MRSA Prevention Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z22.322 be used?

Z22.322 should be used when a patient is identified as a carrier of MRSA, particularly in preventive care settings or when planning for surgical procedures.