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Z21
ICD-10-CM
HIV Positive Status

Find reliable information on HIV positive diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 B20, Z21), and healthcare resources. Learn about HIV testing, viral load, CD4 count, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and long-term care management. This resource provides guidance for healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers seeking accurate information on HIV positive status, treatment options, and clinical best practices.

Also known as

HIV+
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive
Asymptomatic HIV

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks the immune system.
  • Clinical Signs : Early: Flu-like symptoms. Later: Opportunistic infections, weight loss, fatigue.
  • Common Settings : Primary care clinics, sexual health clinics, HIV testing centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z21 Coding
B20-B24

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

Covers all stages of HIV infection, from asymptomatic to AIDS.

Z21

Asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection status

Indicates a person tested positive for HIV but shows no symptoms.

R75

Inconclusive laboratory evidence of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]

Used when HIV test results are uncertain and require further investigation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the patient confirmed HIV positive?

  • Yes

    Is the HIV asymptomatic?

  • No

    Is there concern/suspicion for HIV?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
HIV Positive Status
AIDS
HIV Asymptomatic

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • HIV diagnosis confirmation (e.g., ELISA, Western blot)
  • Date of initial positive HIV test
  • CD4 count and viral load at diagnosis
  • Current WHO clinical stage and symptoms
  • Discussion of transmission risks and prevention

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 Z21, B20: Accurate HIV diagnosis coding.
  • SNOMED CT 15127001: Precise clinical documentation for HIV status.
  • HIPAA compliant HIV data management for patient privacy.
  • Timely HIV diagnosis reporting per public health guidelines.
  • Regular CDI audits for HIV documentation & coding accuracy.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Documented HIV antibody/antigen test (ICD-10 Z11.4, SNOMED CT 14243005)
  • 2. Confirm positive result with differentiation assay (e.g. Western blot, PCR)
  • 3. Assess viral load and CD4 count for staging and treatment planning
  • 4. Document patient counseling on transmission, treatment options, and support

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • HIV Positive Status Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and maximizes revenue. Proper ICD-10 codes (B20-B24) are crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate HIV diagnosis reporting affects national HIV surveillance data and public health initiatives. Timely reporting is key.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Accurate HIV coding impacts hospital quality reporting scores and value-based payment programs. Data integrity is essential.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Miscoded HIV status can trigger audits, denials, and financial penalties. Specificity in diagnosis coding (e.g., stage, manifestations) is vital.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most current CDC recommended diagnostic testing algorithms for HIV in adults, including initial screening and confirmatory tests?

A: The CDC recommends a multi-step algorithm for diagnosing HIV in adults. Initial screening typically involves a combination antigen/antibody immunoassay that detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies and p24 antigen. If reactive, confirmatory testing with an HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody differentiation immunoassay is performed. If the differentiation assay is negative for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, an HIV-1 nucleic acid test (NAT) is recommended to rule out acute HIV infection. In certain situations, such as suspected acute HIV infection with a non-reactive antigen/antibody test, NAT is recommended as the initial test. Consider implementing these updated guidelines in your clinical practice to ensure accurate and timely HIV diagnosis. Explore how S10.AI can assist with staying up-to-date on the latest diagnostic criteria.

Q: How do I interpret discordant HIV test results, such as a positive antibody test but negative NAT, in a patient with low-risk exposure and no symptoms?

A: Discordant HIV test results, where an antibody test is positive but a NAT is negative, can be challenging to interpret. In a patient with low-risk exposure and no symptoms, a false-positive antibody test is more likely than acute HIV infection. Factors contributing to false positives can include certain autoimmune conditions, recent vaccinations, or other infections. Repeat antibody testing with a different assay is crucial. If the repeat antibody test is positive, consider further investigation with additional laboratory tests, including HIV-1 Western blot or an HIV-1 differentiation immunoassay, before concluding HIV positivity. Learn more about the potential causes of false-positive HIV tests and best practices for resolving discordant results to provide optimal patient care.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code confirmed HIV Z21
  • HIV status B20 unspecified
  • Document per CDC guidelines
  • Asymptomatic HIV Z21
  • Use SNOMED CT for HIV

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for evaluation and management of HIV positive status.  Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was confirmed on [date] via [type of testing, e.g., fourth-generation HIV antibodyantigen combination immunoassay, HIV RNA PCR].  Patient's current CD4 count is [numerical value] cellsmm3 and HIV viral load is [numerical value] copiesml.  The patient reports [symptoms, e.g., being asymptomatic, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, weight loss].  Discussion included HIV transmission risks, disease progression, antiretroviral therapy (ART) options, the importance of medication adherence for viral suppression, and the need for regular monitoring of CD4 count and HIV viral load.  Patient was counseled on safer sex practices, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for partners, and the importance of linkage to care for comprehensive HIV management.  Plan includes initiation of antiretroviral therapy with [specific ART regimen, e.g., tenofovir disoproxil fumarateemtricitabineefavirenz] and follow-up appointment scheduled in [timeframe] to monitor treatment response and address any adverse effects.  Patient education provided regarding medication side effects, potential drug interactions, and adherence support resources.  Referral made to [specialist, support group, or resource as appropriate, e.g., infectious disease specialist, HIV case manager, mental health services].  Prognosis discussed, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and ongoing medical care for optimal long-term health outcomes.  ICD-10 code: B20.  
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