2025 ICD-10-CM code Z02.81
Encounter for paternity testing.
Medical necessity for paternity testing can vary. It may be legally mandated for child support or custody cases, or requested voluntarily by involved parties. In some cases, it may be deemed medically necessary for certain medical or genetic reasons.
The clinician's responsibility is to perform the paternity testing procedure, which usually involves collecting DNA samples (often buccal swabs) from the alleged father and child, and sometimes the mother.They are responsible for proper identification of the individuals, ensuring chain of custody for the samples, and accurate documentation of the process.
- 21. Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
- Z02. Encounter for administrative examinationZ02.8 Encounter for other administrative examinations
In simple words: This code is used when a person has a paternity test done.
Encounter for paternity testing. This code is used when a patient encounters health services specifically for a paternity test.
Example 1: A man presents to a clinic for a court-ordered paternity test. The physician collects DNA samples from the man and his alleged child., A couple voluntarily requests a paternity test to confirm the biological father of their newborn.The physician collects samples from both parents and the child., A young man seeks a paternity test to determine his biological father for personal reasons. He and his potential father present to a lab for DNA sample collection.
Documentation should include the reason for the paternity test (e.g., court-ordered, voluntary), the individuals tested, the method of sample collection (e.g., buccal swab), chain of custody documentation, and the date of the encounter.
** It is important to note that Z codes represent reasons for encounters. Therefore, if a procedure is performed, it's necessary to include a corresponding procedure code along with the Z code. The ICD-9-CM equivalent code for Z02.81 is V70.4 (Examination for medicolegal reasons).
- Specialties:Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, General Practice, or other specialties offering paternity testing services.
- Place of Service:Office, Independent Clinic, Home, Public Health Clinic or other appropriate location where testing can be conducted.