Is ICD-10-CM code Z20 billable?

No, Z20 (Contact with and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code Z20 belong to?

Z20 belongs to Chapter 21 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: Z00–Z99 (Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services).

Z20Not billable, use a more specific code below

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases

In Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases (Z20-Z29), chapter 21: Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services

18 billable codes under Z20: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

carrier of infectious disease (Z22.-)
diagnosed current infectious or parasitic disease -see Alphabetic Index

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases (Z86.1-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers when and how to use Z codes (Z00-Z99) for encounters and supplementary information, including contact, status, history, screening, aftercare, exams, and social determinants of health.

Use of Z Codes in Any Healthcare Setting (page 92)
Z Codes Indicate a Reason for an Encounter or Provide Additional Information about a Patient Encounter (page 93)
Categories of Z Codes (page 93)

Read Section I.C.21 (page 92)

All codes under Z20

Z20 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Z20 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 18 billable codes under Z20 group to MS-DRG 795 or 951 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to Z20

Notes on these codes point to Z20.

Z77 Excludes2: contact with and (suspected) exposure to communicable diseases (Z20.-)
Z83 Excludes2: contact with and (suspected) exposure to communicable disease in the family (Z20.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Infectious Diseases

Germs, or microbes, are found everywhere - in the air, soil, and water. There are also germs on your skin and in your body. Many of them are harmless, and some can even be helpful. But some of them can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.