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Z13.820
ICD-10-CM
Screening Bone Density

Find information on Screening Bone Density including ICD-10 codes, Z13.82 and Z13.89, CPT codes, 77080 and 77081, medical necessity guidelines, clinical documentation requirements, DEXA scan interpretation, osteoporosis risk assessment, fracture risk assessment, and bone health. Learn about preventive measures, diagnosis coding, and best practices for healthcare professionals related to bone density screening.

Also known as

Bone Density Screening
Osteoporosis Screening

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Checks bone strength and screens for osteoporosis risk.
  • Clinical Signs : Often no symptoms early on. Later: fractures, back pain, height loss.
  • Common Settings : Primary care offices, radiology departments, and mobile screening units.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Encounter for screening for osteoporosis

Encounter for bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk.

Z13.89

Encounter for other screening exam

Encounter for other specified screening exams, including bone density.

Z71.89

Person encountering health services

Encounter for counseling and advice related to bone density screening.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Screening Bone Density
Osteoporosis
Osteopenia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • ICD-10 code Z13.820 for screening bone density
  • Patient demographics, medical history, risk factors
  • Date, time, location of bone density scan
  • Type of bone density scan (DXA, QCT)
  • T-score and Z-score results with interpretation

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • DXA Miscoding

    Incorrect CPT code selection for bone density scans (e.g., 77080 vs. 77081), leading to claim denials and revenue loss.

  • Medical Necessity

    Lack of documented justification for bone density screening based on risk factors (age, fracture history), triggering audits.

  • Modifier Errors

    Inappropriate or missing modifiers (e.g., -26, -TC) impacting reimbursement and compliance with billing guidelines.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 Z13.820, DXA/bone density correct coding
  • Document Z-codes, osteoporosis risk factors for HCC compliance
  • CDI: Specific fracture risk details improve documentation
  • Medical necessity: Prior authorization for repeat bone density
  • Loinc 77080-0: Bone density result units for interoperability

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify DXA scan order: ICD-10 Z13.820, appropriate LOINC
  • Confirm prior BMD test date & result for T-score comparison
  • Check FRAX score if available: guide treatment decision
  • Review medications affecting bone density: document impact
  • Patient fall risk assessment documented: link to osteoporosis

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • **Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: Screening Bone Density**
  • **Keywords:** Bone Density DXA, ICD-10 Z13.82, CPT 77080, Osteoporosis Screening, Medical Billing, Coding Accuracy, HEDIS, MIPS, Quality Reporting, Hospital Revenue Cycle
  • **Impacts:**
  • Improved coding accuracy increases claim acceptance rates and minimizes denials.
  • Proper HEDIS and MIPS reporting enhances quality scores and potential value-based payments.
  • Accurate documentation supports medical necessity for bone density testing, ensuring appropriate reimbursement.
  • Timely claim submission and accurate coding accelerate revenue cycle and improve cash flow.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Z13.82 for screening
  • DXA/DEXA specific ICD-10
  • Document risk factors: age,menopause
  • Consider family history osteoporosis
  • Low bone density: code M85.8

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for bone density screening due to family history of osteoporosis and increasing age.  Risk factors assessed include age, gender, ethnicity, prior fracture, parental history of hip fracture, current smoking status, glucocorticoid use, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary osteoporosis, and low body weight.  No current symptoms of bone pain or fractures reported.  Physical examination unremarkable.  Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan of the lumbar spine and femoral neck ordered to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and evaluate for osteopenia or osteoporosis.  T-score and Z-score will be utilized for diagnostic classification according to WHO criteria.  Patient education provided on calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, and the importance of follow-up based on DXA results.  Results will be discussed with the patient upon availability and appropriate management plan, including potential pharmacologic interventions like bisphosphonates or other bone-building medications will be determined based on BMD and fracture risk assessment using tools such as FRAX.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for review of results and discussion of treatment options.  ICD-10 code Z13.820 assigned for encounter for screening for osteoporosis.