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Z01.812
ICD-10-CM
Preoperative Laboratory Evaluation

Find comprehensive information on preoperative laboratory evaluation, including required tests, clinical documentation guidelines, medical coding (CPT, ICD-10), and healthcare best practices. Learn about common preoperative labs, blood tests, electrolyte panels, coagulation studies, and urinalysis. This resource covers pre-surgical testing, perioperative care, and patient preparation for surgery. Understand the importance of preoperative lab results interpretation and their impact on surgical risk assessment.

Also known as

Preop Lab
Preoperative Lab Testing

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Routine lab tests done before surgery to assess patient health and identify potential risks.
  • Clinical Signs : Usually asymptomatic, but abnormal results may indicate underlying conditions.
  • Common Settings : Pre-admission testing clinics, surgical centers, hospitals.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z01.812 Coding
Z01.810

Preoperative cardiovascular exam

Evaluation of heart and blood vessels before surgery.

Z01.818

Other preop cardiovascular exam

Other specified heart/vessel checks before surgery.

R79.89

Other abnormal findings

Unspecified abnormal lab results, possibly preop.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the evaluation for a specific surgery?

  • Yes

    Is there an abnormal finding?

  • No

    Is there a suspected condition?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Preoperative Lab Eval
Anemia (Preop)
Electrolyte Imbalance (Preop)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Preoperative lab evaluation: Reason & medical necessity
  • Specific labs ordered (e.g., CBC, CMP, PT/INR)
  • Lab results & interpretation, if available
  • Impact of lab results on surgical plan
  • ICD-10-CM diagnosis code(s) justifying labs

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unbundling of Tests

    Separate coding of individual lab tests when a panel code exists, leading to overbilling and compliance issues.

  • Medical Necessity

    Lack of documentation supporting the medical necessity of preoperative lab tests, resulting in denials and potential fraud accusations.

  • Incorrect CPT Code

    Use of an inaccurate CPT code for the specific lab test performed, causing claim rejection and revenue cycle disruption.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document medical necessity for all preop labs using ICD-10 codes.
  • Standardize preop lab orders with CPT codes for CDI accuracy.
  • Follow clinical guidelines for lab tests to ensure compliance.
  • Review preop lab results and document discrepancies in EHR.
  • Educate staff on proper lab coding, CDI, and compliance rules.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify age-appropriate testing (CPT 80048-80076)
  • Review medical history for bleeding risk (ICD-10 D68.3)
  • Confirm renal function (BUN, creatinine) documented
  • Check Hb/Hct for anemia, document if low (ICD-10 D64.9)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Preoperative Laboratory Evaluation: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • Keywords: medical billing, coding accuracy, CPT codes, ICD-10, hospital reporting, preoperative testing, quality measures, reimbursement rates, payer policies, denial management
  • Impact 1: Accurate coding maximizes reimbursement for pre-op lab tests.
  • Impact 2: Proper documentation supports medical necessity, reducing denials.
  • Impact 3: Timely lab results improve surgical scheduling efficiency.
  • Impact 4: Quality metrics track pre-op lab utilization and patient outcomes.

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 specific tests, not 'pre-op labs'
  • Document medical necessity for each test
  • ICD-10-CM Z01.818 for pre-op exam
  • CPT codes for individual lab tests
  • Link labs to surgical procedure diagnosis

Documentation Templates

Preoperative laboratory evaluation performed to assess surgical risk and optimize patient outcomes prior to scheduled [Surgical Procedure Name].  Patient presents for preoperative clearance and laboratory testing.  Review of systems pertinent to the planned procedure reveals [Pertinent Findings or None].  Medical history includes [List Relevant Medical History e.g., hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease] and current medications include [List Current Medications].  Surgical history includes [List Previous Surgeries].  Allergies include [List Allergies, or NKDA if no known drug allergies].  Physical examination reveals [Key Physical Exam Findings relevant to surgery].  Based on the patient's medical history, surgical plan, and current clinical presentation, the following laboratory tests were ordered: complete blood count (CBC) with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT), and [Other relevant labs e.g., urinalysis, electrocardiogram ECG, chest x-ray CXR].  These tests are deemed medically necessary to evaluate for anemia, electrolyte imbalances, bleeding disorders, and other potential surgical complications.  Results of the preoperative lab evaluation will be reviewed upon completion and appropriate interventions implemented if necessary.  Patient education provided regarding preoperative preparation, including NPO guidelines.  The patient demonstrates understanding and verbalizes agreement with the plan.  Follow-up scheduled for [Date of next appointment] for review of laboratory results and further preoperative planning.  Preoperative risk assessment completed and documented.  ICD-10 code Z01.818 (Encounter for preprocedural laboratory examination) assigned.