Z11.59 – Encounter for screening for other viral diseases | ICD-10-CM

Diagnosis code Z11 refers to an "encounter for screening for infectious and parasitic diseases." This ICD-10-CM code is used when a patient undergoes screening tests for infectious or parasitic diseases while asymptomatic, meaning they show no signs or symptoms of illness. It is not used for diagnostic testing when a disease is suspected, but rather for routine or preventive screening to detect infections early in individuals without symptoms.

The ICD-10-CM code used for Hepatitis C screening is Z11.59, which stands for "encounter for screening for other infectious and parasitic diseases." This code is applied when a patient is being screened for Hepatitis C without symptoms, typically as part of preventive care or because they fall into a high-risk category.

An "encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm" refers to a healthcare visit where a patient undergoes tests to detect cancer or its precursors before any symptoms appear. The purpose of these screenings, coded in the ICD-10-CM as Z12 and its subcategories, is early detection and intervention, which can improve outcomes if cancer is found. These codes are used only for preventive screenings in asymptomatic individuals, not for diagnostic workups when cancer is already suspected.