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Z13.820
ICD-10-CM
Osteoporosis Screening

Find information on osteoporosis screening, including ICD-10 codes Z13.820 and Z13.828, DEXA scan procedure codes, bone density testing guidelines, and clinical documentation requirements for accurate diagnosis and medical billing. Learn about risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options for osteoporosis. This resource provides comprehensive information for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking guidance on osteoporosis screening and management.

Also known as

Bone Density Screening
DEXA Scan Screening
DXA Screening

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Low bone density increasing fracture risk.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic early on. Later: fractures, height loss, back pain.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, endocrinology, rheumatology, geriatrics

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z13.820 Coding
Z13.820

Encounter for screening for osteoporosis

Routine bone density screening for osteoporosis.

M80-M89

Disorders of bone density and structure

Includes osteoporosis, osteopenia, and other bone density issues.

Z00-Z99

Factors influencing health status and contact with health services

Encompasses health screenings and preventative measures.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the encounter for an osteoporosis screening?

  • Yes

    Is there a personal history of osteoporosis?

  • No

    Do not code osteoporosis screening. Code the reason for the encounter.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis
Osteopenia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Osteoporosis screening: ICD-10 Z13.820
  • Risk factors: Family history, low BMI, smoking
  • DEXA scan results: T-score and Z-score documented
  • FRAX score assessment and interpretation
  • Prior fractures: Location, date, and type

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • DEXA Scan Coding

    Incorrect CPT code selection for DEXA scans (e.g., 77080 vs. 77081) based on skeletal sites imaged, impacting reimbursement and compliance.

  • Osteoporosis Diagnosis

    Lack of documented diagnostic criteria (e.g., T-scores, FRAX score) for osteoporosis (M80.-, M81.-) leading to coding and CDI queries.

  • Screening vs. Diagnostic

    Confusing screening (Z codes) with diagnostic osteoporosis codes when the DEXA scan is medically necessary, affecting risk adjustment and quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document Z-codes for osteoporosis screening encounters.
  • Capture risk factors like age, gender, medications in documentation.
  • Code bone density DXA scans with appropriate CPT/ICD-10 codes.
  • Ensure medical necessity for screening per USPSTF guidelines.
  • Query physicians for clarification if documentation is unclear.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify patient age 50 and over or high risk
  • Check FRAX score or BMD result if available
  • Document osteoporosis risk factors if present
  • Review prior DEXA scans for comparison
  • Recommend screening/treatment per guidelines

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Osteoporosis Screening: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10 Z13.89, CPT 77080: Accurate coding maximizes reimbursement.
  • DEXA scan claims: Proper documentation impacts payor processing time.
  • Osteoporosis screening rates: Affects hospital quality reporting and value-based payments.
  • Timely diagnosis improves patient outcomes and reduces fracture risk, impacting long-term costs.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Z13.82 for encounter osteoporosis screening
  • Document risk factors like age,gender,family history
  • DEXA scan coding, use 77080 for bone density
  • ICD-10 M80-M82 for osteoporosis diagnoses
  • Consider Z codes for fracture risk assessment

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for osteoporosis screening due to concerns about bone health, family history of osteoporosis, and increasing age.  Risk factors assessed included age, gender, family history, previous fracture, low body weight, smoking history, glucocorticoid use, and alcohol consumption.  The patient's FRAX score was calculated to estimate the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture.  Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was ordered and scheduled.  Patient education provided on calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention strategies, and the importance of follow-up for DXA scan results review and potential osteoporosis treatment if indicated.  Diagnosis codes considered include Z13.820 Encounter for screening for osteoporosis, and appropriate ICD-10-CM codes for identified risk factors. Medical billing codes will reflect the evaluation and management services provided, along with the DXA scan procedure codes.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to discuss results and formulate a management plan based on bone mineral density T-scores and WHO diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, osteopenia, or normal bone density. This may include discussion regarding pharmacologic interventions such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, or other osteoporosis medications if necessary.  Patient understanding of osteoporosis prevention and treatment options was confirmed.
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