In simple words: This code is used when a foundling (abandoned infant or child) receives medical or nursing care or supervision.

This code is used for encounters with health services for the supervision and care of a foundling (an infant or child of unknown parentage discovered abandoned).

Example 1: A newborn infant is found abandoned in a park and brought to the hospital. The infant receives a medical examination and is assigned code Z76.1., A social worker brings a 2-year-old child of unknown parentage to a clinic for a check-up. The child is assigned code Z76.1., A foundling is placed in foster care and requires ongoing health supervision. Code Z76.1 is used for these encounters.

Documentation should include the circumstances of the foundling's discovery, any available information about their parentage or medical history, and the details of the care provided.

** According to ICD-10-CM guidelines, Z76.1 can be used as a principal/primary diagnosis. This code may also be applicable to encounters for medical or nursing care or supervision of healthy infants under circumstances such as adverse socioeconomic conditions at home.