What ICD-10 codes cannot be used as primary diagnosis?

Asked by: Brendon Ratke  |  Last update: April 2, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (10 votes)

As provided by ICD-10-CM guidelines, inappropriate primary diagnosis codes include but are not limited to: External Cause Codes of Morbidity (V, W, X, or Y codes [ICD-10-CM]) describes an environmental event causing an injury, not the nature of the injury, and therefore should not be used as a principal diagnosis.

Can I47-10 be used as a primary diagnosis?

Supraventricular tachycardia, unspecified

I47. 10 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM I47.

What is unacceptable as a principal diagnosis?

Unacceptable Principal Diagnosis

There are selected codes that describe a circumstance which influences an individual's health status but is not a current illness or injury; therefore, they are unacceptable as a principal diagnosis.

Can Z71 3 be used as a primary diagnosis?

According to ICD-10 guidelines, Z71. 3 should be used only when dietary counseling is the primary service provided during the encounter. If dietary counseling is part of a broader consultation, other codes might be more appropriate, or you might use Z71. 3 as a secondary code.

Can an ICD-10 T code be primary?

Your use of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes could cause your claims to deny due to two primary reasons: The ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code is not allowed as the Primary Diagnosis on the claim.

ICD 10 Coding Choosing the Principal Diagnosis

36 related questions found

Which ICD-10 codes are not acceptable as primary diagnosis?

External Cause Codes of Morbidity (V, W, X, or Y codes [ICD-10-CM]) describes an environmental event causing an injury, not the nature of the injury, and therefore should not be used as a principal diagnosis.

Can I10 be a primary diagnosis?

Essential (primary) hypertension: I10

That code is I10, Essential (primary) hypertension. As in ICD-9, this code includes “high blood pressure” but does not include elevated blood pressure without a diagnosis of hypertension (that would be ICD-10 code R03. 0).

Can ICD-10 Z codes be primary diagnosis?

Z codes may be used as either a first listed, or principal diagnosis code in the inpatient setting or a secondary code depending on the circumstances of the encounter.

Can Z51 5 be a primary diagnosis?

5 and also the definition of "Code also condition requiring care". To me, if a Palliative Care provider is called in to see a patient that has a terminal disease and the quality of life is now the issue, the code Z51. 5 should be coded as primary and the terminal disease should follow.

Can Z43 1 be a primary diagnosis?

In fact, the most common situation for using a Z code as a primary diagnosis is for aftercare situations that report to codes Z40-Z53, including the Z43. 1 code that you mention.

What ICD-10 codes are not billable?

Non-Billable/Non-Specific ICD-10-CM Codes
  • A00. Cholera.
  • A01. Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers.
  • A01.0. Typhoid fever.
  • A02. Other salmonella infections.
  • A02.2. Localized salmonella infections.
  • A03. Shigellosis.
  • A04. Other bacterial intestinal infections.
  • A04.7. Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile.

Which of the following types of codes cannot be used as a principal diagnosis?

Z codes, being mainly for circumstances other than a disease or injury classifiable to categories A00-Y89, are not usually appropriate as principal diagnosis.

Can Z71-2 be a primary diagnosis?

Ensure the primary reason for the visit is the explanation of test or examination results. Do not use Z71. 2 if the consultation involves diagnosing or treating a condition; instead, use a code that reflects the primary diagnosis or treatment provided.

Can hypertension be a primary diagnosis?

Essential (primary) hypertension occurs when you have abnormally high blood pressure that's not the result of a medical condition. This form of high blood pressure is often due to obesity, family history and an unhealthy diet. The condition is reversible with medications and lifestyle changes.

Can D63 8 be a primary diagnosis?

The code title indicates that it is a manifestation code. "In diseases classified elsewhere" codes are never permitted to be used as first listed or principle diagnosis codes. They must be used in conjunction with an underlying condition code and they must be listed following the underlying condition.

Can R65 20 be a primary diagnosis?

The first code is for the underlying sepsis followed by the subcategory severe sepsis without septic shock (R65. 20). The code for severe sepsis is never the primary code. The provider can use the code for "Sepsis, unspecified organism” (A41.

Can you use S codes as primary diagnosis?

According to the ICD-10-CM Manual guidelines, a sequela (7th character "S") code cannot be listed as the primary, first listed, or principal diagnosis on a claim, nor can it be the only diagnosis on a claim.

Can Z12 4 be used for primary diagnosis?

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix

Z12. 4 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Can Z51 12 be a primary diagnosis?

11 or Z51. 12 can be listed as the principal diagnosis even if the patient is admitted with another condition, as long as it is evident that the patient was admitted CHIEFLY for chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy.

What ICD-10 codes are unacceptable as primary diagnosis?

External Cause Codes of Morbidity (V, W, X, or Y codes [ICD-10-CM]) describes an environmental event causing an injury, not the nature of the injury, and therefore should not be used as a principal diagnosis.

Can Z71-84 be a primary diagnosis?

The primary diagnosis code for this encounter is Z00. 129 (encounter for routine child health examination without abnormal findings). Code Z71. 84 (encounter for health counseling related to travel) is reported as a secondary code.

Can V codes be used as primary diagnosis?

In fact, you can't use just any V code as a primary diagnosis code; some are exclusively secondary codes. You should use V codes as secondary and tertiary diagnosis codes to further explain how a patient's symptoms or condition originated.

Can Z12 11 be a primary diagnosis?

If the patient presents for a screening colonoscopy and a polyp or any other lesion/diagnosis is found, the primary diagnosis is still going to be Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon. The coder should also report the polyp or findings as additional diagnosis codes.

Can E codes be used as primary diagnosis?

E codes are meant to be used as supplemental codes – never the primary diagnosis – and serve an informational purpose for researchers collecting data on injuries and injury prevention strategies.

What is primary diagnosis code R10 9?

ICD-10 code R10. 9 for Unspecified abdominal pain is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified .