Wiki POCT for Covid 19

[pmiller223]

I have not done diagnosis coding since during the pandemic and am now training in Urgent Care. When point of care testing for Covid 19 is ordered/performed, must the provider specifically state either a suspected or actual exposure in order to code Z20.822 in addition to the symptoms (negative test results)? I believe that during the pandemic, it was “assumed” that everyone had an exposure so Z20.822 was appropriate. But since the pandemic ended in 2023, I would think the provider would need to state if there was an exposure (either suspected or actual) but I was told otherwise during my training. Thank you for any guidance!

 

[Cynthia Hughes]

The current ICD-10-CM guidelines say to report codes for signs and symptoms only unless the patient has an actual or suspected contact with or exposure to COVID-19 (in which case, Z20.822 would be reported in addition to the codes for signs and symptoms). See section g of the chapter-specific guidelines for Chapter 1 in the current guidelines to confirm this. The guidelines for Chapter 21 also address use of the contact/exposure codes.
Hope that is helpful.
Cindy