In simple words: This code is used when a pregnant woman has a checkup to screen for possible birth defects in her baby.This is a routine check and does not mean there is a problem.

This code signifies an encounter for antenatal screening to detect fetal malformations.Screening involves testing asymptomatic individuals for diseases or precursors to enable early detection and treatment. This code includes encounters for placental samples (taken vaginally).It excludes diagnostic examinations for suspected maternal or fetal conditions ruled out, suspected fetal conditions affecting pregnancy management (coded to Chapter 15 conditions), abnormal findings on antenatal screening (O28.-), genetic counseling and testing (Z31.43-, Z31.5), and routine prenatal care (Z34).

Example 1: A 30-year-old pregnant woman undergoes a routine ultrasound at 20 weeks gestation as part of her prenatal care. The ultrasound reveals no major fetal anomalies.Code Z36.3 is used to bill for this encounter., A 25-year-old pregnant woman with a history of previous pregnancy loss undergoes an anatomy scan at 18 weeks. The scan reveals a suspected neural tube defect.This will be coded with the appropriate code for the defect along with a code that indicates the reason for the encounter, which in this case is Z36.3., A 40-year-old pregnant woman undergoes a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities at 10 weeks of gestation. The results are normal. Code Z36.3 is used.

Documentation should include the type of antenatal screening performed (e.g., ultrasound, blood tests, NIPT), the gestational age at the time of screening, the reason for the screening (routine or risk-based), and the results of the screening.Any additional findings or interventions should be documented.

** This code is exempt from Present on Admission (POA) reporting requirements.