ICD-10 Code for STD Screening
The ICD-10 code for screening for sexually transmitted diseases in asymptomatic patients is Z11.3 1.
Primary Screening Code
- Z11.3 is the designated code for encounters specifically for screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in asymptomatic patients 1.
- This code should be used for all routine STD screening encounters, regardless of the specific infections being tested for 1.
When to Use Z11.3
- All sexually active females under 25 years receiving annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening should be coded with Z11.3 1.
- Young sexually active men undergoing routine screening, particularly in settings where STI prevalence is ≥2%, should be coded with Z11.3 1.
- Persons entering correctional facilities being screened for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia should be coded with Z11.3 1.
- Adolescents in institutional settings undergoing screening when prevalence is ≥2% should be coded with Z11.3 1.
Critical Coding Pitfall to Avoid
- Pap tests should NOT be considered screening tests for STDs and should not be coded with Z11.3 1.
- This is a common error—cervical cancer screening and STD screening are distinct services requiring different coding 1.
Clinical Context
- The Z11.3 code applies to asymptomatic screening encounters, not diagnostic testing for symptomatic patients or follow-up testing after known exposure 1.
- This code supports the CDC's recommendation for universal screening of sexually active women under 25 years, which has been a best practice since 1997 and leads to decreased disease prevalence and serious sequelae like pelvic inflammatory disease 2.
- Proper coding with Z11.3 facilitates tracking of screening rates, which historically fail to approach recommended levels in actual clinical practice 2.