COVID-19 ICD-10-CM codes

U07.1 (COVID-19) is assigned only for a confirmed diagnosis, meaning the provider documents COVID-19 or a positive test. It does not require a positive test if the provider documents the diagnosis. Do not assign U07.1 for suspected, probable, or inconclusive cases; use Z20.822 (contact with and suspected exposure to COVID-19) instead, and code the presenting symptoms.

When COVID-19 is the reason for the encounter it is sequenced first, followed by the manifestations: J12.82 for COVID-19 pneumonia, J80 for ARDS, J96.0- for acute respiratory failure. M35.81 (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) is coded after U07.1 when it occurs with a current infection, or after U09.9 when it develops after the infection has resolved.

U09.9 (post COVID-19 condition, unspecified) is never sequenced first. Code the specific residual condition (for example R43.0 anosmia, R53.83 fatigue, or J96.1- chronic respiratory failure) first, then U09.9. Do not report U09.9 together with U07.1 unless the patient has a new active infection on top of persisting sequelae.

Z86.16 reports a personal history of COVID-19 once the infection has resolved. Z11.52 is for asymptomatic screening with no exposure or symptoms, such as preoperative testing. Z28.310 (unvaccinated) and Z28.311 (partially vaccinated) are status codes and are reported only when the provider documents the vaccination status.