2025 ICD-10-CM code Z20.822
Contact with and (suspected) exposure to COVID-19.
The medical necessity for using Z20.822 is driven by the need to track and monitor potential COVID-19 exposures for public health purposes, and to guide appropriate management, such as testing, isolation, and contact tracing.
- Z Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
- Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases (Z20-Z29)
In simple words: This code is used when someone has been or may have been exposed to COVID-19, even if they don't have any symptoms yet or if they've tested negative.It's also used while waiting for test results or if the test results are unclear.
This code is used for individuals with actual or suspected exposure to COVID-19, regardless of whether they are symptomatic. It is also used when the infection has been ruled out, test results are inconclusive or unknown, or while test results are pending. If a patient has signs/symptoms associated with COVID-19 and also has an actual or suspected contact with or exposure to COVID-19, this code is assigned as an additional code.
Example 1: A patient is asymptomatic but reports close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Z20.822 is assigned., A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, including cough and fever.A COVID-19 test is performed, and the result is negative. Z20.822 is assigned., A patient presents with mild respiratory symptoms and has recently traveled to a region with a high prevalence of COVID-19.A COVID-19 test is ordered, but results are pending. Z20.822 is assigned.
Documentation should support the actual or suspected exposure to COVID-19. This may include details about close contact with a confirmed case, travel history, or presence at an event or location with known COVID-19 transmission.