All ICD10 Codes
Z44Not billable, use a more specific code below

Encounter for fitting and adjustment of external prosthetic device

In Encounters for other specific health care (Z40-Z53), chapter 21: Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services

26 billable codes under Z44: none are a CC or MCC; 9 map to HCC 409 (Amputation Status, Lower Limb/Amputation Complications).An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

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Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • removal or replacement of external prosthetic device

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

  • malfunction or other complications of device - see Alphabetical Index
  • presence of prosthetic device (Z97.-)

Also applies, from Encounters for other specific health care (Z40-Z53)

These notes sit on Z40-Z53 and apply to every code under it, including Z44.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • Categories Z40-Z53 are intended for use to indicate a reason for care. They may be used for patients who have already been treated for a disease or injury, but who are receiving aftercare or prophylactic care, or care to consolidate the treatment, or to deal with a residual state

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • follow-up examination for medical surveillance after treatment (Z08-Z09)

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.

Read Section I.C.21 (page 92)

All codes under Z44

Z44 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Z44 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under Z44 group to MS-DRG 559, 560, 561, 951, 945, or 946 (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 Z44

Notes on these codes point to Z44.

  • T80-T88 Excludes2: fitting and adjustment of external prosthetic device (Z44.-)
  • Z09 Excludes1: surveillance of prosthetic and other medical devices (Z44-Z46)
  • Z43 Excludes2: fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)
  • Z48 Excludes2: encounter for fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)
  • Z96 Excludes2: fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)
  • Z97 Excludes2: fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)

About the condition

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

Artificial Limbs

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include: If you are missing an arm or leg, an artificial limb can sometimes replace it. The device, which is called a prosthesis, can help you to perform daily activities such as walking, eating, or dressing. Some artificial limbs let you function nearly as well as before.

Read more about artificial limbs on MedlinePlus

Code history

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