Z20.822 – Contact with and (suspected) exposure to COVID-19

Z20.822 Diagnosis Code: Contact with and (suspected) exposure to COVID-19

Clinical Description:

• The ICD 10 Z20.822 is a diagnosis code that indicates an individual has had contact with or is suspected of being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
• It applies to situations where the person may have been in a setting or circumstance that posed a risk of virus transmission. This includes healthcare settings, close contact with confirmed cases, or travel to high-risk areas.
• The Z20.822 ICD 10 code applies regardless of the symptom status of the individual. Therefore, it can be used for asymptomatic persons (who show no symptoms) but have had potential exposure to the virus.
• This diagnosis code is also applicable when tests for the virus are still pending, have yielded inconclusive results, or when the exposure is still under investigation.
• Suppose a patient is symptomatic with signs typically associated with COVID-19 and has had potential exposure to the virus. In that case, Z20.822 may be used with other codes to capture the full clinical picture.
• Z20.822 is crucial in tracking the potential spread and clusters of COVID-19, aiding in public health responses and planning.
• This code is also used when a person has been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 but is tested and found not to be infected. It helps track potential exposures and negative test results.
• Lastly, it is essential to note that Z20.822, like other ICD-10 codes, assists in standardizing the way patient encounters are recorded and billed across healthcare systems, promoting consistency and accuracy in healthcare data.

Is Z20.822 Billable?

Yes, Z20.822 is a billable ICD 10 code. It can be used for insurance claims, enabling healthcare providers to seek reimbursement for patient encounters that revolve around actual or potential exposure to COVID-19.

Clinical Information

• Z20.822 is used for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with suspected or confirmed exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
• The code applies even when COVID-19 tests are inconclusive, unknown, or have ruled out the infection.
• If signs/symptoms typically associated with COVID-19 are present along with suspected exposure, Z20.822 can be used as an additional code.
• The code is also utilized for preoperative COVID-19 testing, alongside the primary diagnosis code for the reason for the surgery.

Synonyms Include:

• Contact with and exposure to SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19 exposure
• Suspected exposure to coronavirus
• Encounter due to COVID-19 exposure
• Suspected contact with COVID-19

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for COVID-19 Exposure

• U07.1: COVID-19, virus identified
• Z20.828: Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases
• Z11.52: Encounter for screening for COVID-19
• Z03.818: Encounter for observation for suspected exposure to other biological agents ruled out
• B97.29: Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
• U07.2: COVID-19, virus not identified