The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code Z98.84, specifically titled “Bariatric surgery status,” is a critical component of medical coding and billing processes within the healthcare system. This code is utilized to denote a patient’s history of having undergone bariatric surgery, also commonly known as weight loss surgery. Effective since October 1, 2015, with the introduction of ICD-10-CM, Z98.84 provides a standardized way to document this important patient information.
What Z98.84 Signifies
Z98.84 is a billable and specific code, meaning it is recognized for reimbursement purposes and precisely identifies the condition it represents. The code’s description, “Bariatric surgery status,” encompasses various types of weight loss surgeries. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Gastric banding status: Patients who have had a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placed.
- Gastric bypass status for obesity: Individuals who have undergone procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to treat obesity.
- Obesity surgery status: A broader category covering various surgical interventions aimed at weight reduction.
It’s important to note that Z98.84 is specific to the status of having had bariatric surgery, indicating a patient’s history and relevant medical background for ongoing care and future medical encounters.
Exclusions and Coding Guidelines
In ICD-10-CM, “excludes” notes are crucial for accurate coding. For Z98.84, understanding the Type 1 and Type 2 excludes is essential:
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Type 1 Excludes: This type of exclusion means “not coded here.” It signifies that the excluded condition should never be coded alongside Z98.84. Type 1 excludes are used when two conditions are mutually exclusive, such as congenital versus acquired forms of the same condition. While the original article does not specify codes excluded by Type 1, it’s important for coders to consult the full ICD-10-CM manual for any such exclusions to Z98.84 to ensure coding accuracy.
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Type 2 Excludes: This denotes “not included here.” Type 2 excludes indicate that the excluded condition is not inherently part of “Bariatric surgery status,” but a patient could have both conditions concurrently. In such cases, it is appropriate to use both Z98.84 and the excluded code to fully represent the patient’s condition. Again, the original article does not list Type 2 exclusions, and medical coders should refer to the official ICD-10-CM guidelines for a complete understanding.
Synonyms for Z98.84
To further clarify the scope of Z98.84 and aid in searching for this code, several approximate synonyms are recognized:
- History of bariatric (weight loss) surgery
- History of bariatric surgery
- History of bariatric surgical procedure
- History of diabetes mellitus resolved post bariatric surgery
- History of diabetes mellitus resolved post gastric bypass
- History of gastric bypass
- History of resolved diabetes mellitus after bariatric (weight loss) surgery
- History of resolved diabetes mellitus after gastric bypass (weight loss) surgery
- Presence of laparoscopic band
- Presence of laparoscopic gastric banding device
These synonyms highlight that Z98.84 is not only about the surgical procedure itself but also encompasses the patient’s medical history related to bariatric surgery and its outcomes, such as the resolution of conditions like diabetes.
Present On Admission (POA) Indicator
The “Present On Admission” (POA) indicator is significant for inpatient claims. Z98.84 is exempt from POA reporting. This means that whether the bariatric surgery status was present at the time of inpatient admission or not, it does not require a POA indicator on the claim.
Code History and Context
Z98.84 was introduced as a new code in 2016 with the ICD-10-CM update effective October 1, 2015. Since then, there have been no revisions to the code through the 2025 edition, which became effective on October 1, 2024. This stability indicates the code’s continued relevance and accuracy in representing bariatric surgery status within the ICD-10-CM coding system.
Understanding the nuances of ICD-10-CM codes like Z98.84 is crucial for accurate medical documentation, billing, and data analysis in healthcare. For professionals in medical coding, billing, and healthcare administration, a thorough grasp of Z98.84 and its appropriate application is essential for compliant and effective practice.
