Home Forums ID 10 code for Influenza Vaccine

I am trying to select the proper ICD 10 code for influenza vaccination. The best I have come up with is Z23. In the AC drop down, it is not listed specifically in the choice of diagnosis codes. Is this for real? Why should there be a downgrade from V04.81?

I think Z23 is correct. What do you mean "downgrade"?

Not to be repetitive, but this site is terrific for ICD9 to 10 conversion, and general ICD10 lookup:

http://www.icd10data.com

The "downgrade" comment is in reference to the people promoting ICD 10 as providing more clarity than ICD-9. Here is a diagnosis code that is used extremely frequently and yet there is no specific code. Yet, there is a code for a host of other immunizations and, if you get bitten by a parrot, or your water skis catch on fire, they have a code for it.

I think that the people at Amazing Charts have done a great job, on their end. This is one part of V8.2.5 that is going smoothly. However, we are only at T+13 and it is still early in the game. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Yes, Z23 "Encounter for Immunization" is correct. It can be used for any encounter (Influenza, Pneumovax, etc) in which the patient comes to the office just for an immunization.

How are you all billing for these immunizations (flu, pnemo, etc.), with an EM code (9921x) or just as an encounter for the immunization?

I'm sure there wont be a denial billing them along with an E&M code but what if the pt comes in just for the immunization. We haven't had this occur today, but I'm wondering because while searching for Z23, sources are saying it cant be the Primary Dx code. Would it get denied by billing just 90471 and 90658 with just Z23 dx code?

Prior to today, we always billed V04.81 for the diagnosis and the appropriate CPT codes for the influenza vaccine, either Medicare or private codes, and always got paid. The only other charge would be a 99211, if the nurse documented an assessment. I do not think that anything will change in this regard.

I think it may be a good idea to ask all of the ICD-10 questions in one thread. I posted under Catherine Lehmann's Post at:

http://amazingcharts.com/ub/ubbthreads.php/topics/67190#Post67065

This may allow us to develop our own FAQs, and allow her to answer questions when she can. Obviously, there will be some threads that are very specific. I don't think I have ever tried anything like this. But, I don't think we have had to adjust to anythinig so confusing before. At least it is confusing for me.

Hi,
Z23 is the ICD 10 code for all Immunizations this one code is meant to simplify things but,SNOMED confounded this simplicity by allowing a
SNOMED Clinical descriptions for the individual specific immunization. It also captures the concept of under immunization but does not have a representative code for a simple encounter for immunization. AC will make the Z23 ICD 10 code available in the dropdown soon. See http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2014/0700/oa1.html for some tips on Preventive Care Coding .
Thank You for your patience