In simple words: This code is used when a pregnant woman has a screening test during pregnancy to check for possible health problems in the mother or the baby.

Encounter for antenatal screening of mother. Screening is the testing for disease or disease precursors in asymptomatic individuals so that early detection and treatment can be provided for those who test positive for the disease. Includes: Encounter for placental sample (taken vaginally). Excludes1: diagnostic examination- code to sign or symptom encounter for suspected maternal and fetal conditions ruled out (Z03.7-) suspected fetal condition affecting management of pregnancy - code to condition in Chapter 15. Excludes2: abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-) genetic counseling and testing (Z31.43-, Z31.5) routine prenatal care (Z34).

Example 1: A pregnant woman in her first trimester has a combined screening test, including a blood test and ultrasound, to screen for chromosomal abnormalities. The encounter is coded as Z36., A pregnant woman undergoes chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to obtain a placental sample for genetic testing. The encounter for obtaining the sample is coded as Z36., A 35-year-old pregnant woman has an amniocentesis performed to screen for genetic disorders. The encounter is coded as Z36.

Documentation should include the reason for the antenatal screening, the type of screening performed (e.g., blood test, ultrasound, CVS, amniocentesis), the date of the screening, and the results of the screening.

** It is important to code the specific type of antenatal screening performed using the more specific codes available under Z36 (Z36.0 - Z36.8) when applicable.