In simple words: This code is used when you see a doctor to start using birth control, but the specific type of birth control isn't recorded.

This code is used for an encounter with a healthcare provider for the initial prescription of contraceptives when the specific type of contraceptive is not specified. It excludes encounters for the surveillance of contraceptives (Z30.4-).

Example 1: A 25-year-old female visits her physician for the first time to discuss birth control options. After discussing various methods, she decides to start contraception, but no specific method is documented yet., A 30-year-old female has an appointment for an IUD insertion and obtains a prescription for pain medication to use following the procedure. The Z30.019 code is used as the IUD is a contraceptive device., A patient presents to her OB/GYN for preconception counseling. She is currently on birth control and asks her physician about switching to a different method.

Documentation should support medical necessity, including discussion of risks and benefits and the patient's decision to initiate contraception.The documentation should also support the need for the prescription. While a specific contraceptive method is not documented with this code, the note should clarify if other related services such as counseling or education were provided.

** It is important to note this code should be used in conjunction with other codes for other diagnoses, problems, or reasons for visit when applicable, such as a routine gynecological exam.