Z43
Encounter for attention to artificial openings
Choose the additional character
Z43 needs more characters to be billable. Pick the specific code below.
- Z43.0Encounter for attention to tracheostomyBillable
- Z43.1Encounter for attention to gastrostomyBillable
- Z43.2Encounter for attention to ileostomyBillable
- Z43.3Encounter for attention to colostomyBillable
- Z43.4Encounter for attention to other artificial openings of digestive tractBillable
- Z43.5Encounter for attention to cystostomyBillable
- Z43.6Encounter for attention to other artificial openings of urinary tractBillable
- Z43.7Encounter for attention to artificial vaginaBillable
- Z43.8Encounter for attention to other artificial openingsBillable
- Z43.9Encounter for attention to unspecified artificial openingBillable
This code does not map to a risk-adjusting HCC in the loaded models.
Coding notes
Excludes 1 never coded together · Excludes 2 may co-exist
closure of artificial openings passage of sounds or bougies through artificial openings reforming artificial openings removal of catheter from artificial openings toilet or cleansing of artificial openings
fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)
follow-up examination for medical surveillance after treatment (Z08-Z09)
Categories Z40-Z53 are intended for use to indicate a reason for care. They may be used for patients who have already been treated for a disease or injury, but who are receiving aftercare or prophylactic care, or care to consolidate the treatment, or to deal with a residual state
Z codes represent reasons for encounters. A corresponding procedure code must accompany a Z code if a procedure is performed. Categories Z00-Z99 are provided for occasions when circumstances other than a disease, injury or external cause classifiable to categories A00-Y89 are recorded as 'diagnoses' or 'problems'. This can arise in two main ways: (a) When a person who may or may not be sick encounters the health services for some specific purpose, such as to receive limited care or service for a current condition, to donate an organ or tissue, to receive prophylactic vaccination (immunization), or to discuss a problem which is in itself not a disease or injury. (b) When some circumstance or problem is present which influences the person's health status but is not in itself a current illness or injury.
Official Guidelines for Z43
FY 2026 ›Sections that reference Z43
- I.C.21.c.7)Aftercare
… in the following categories: Z42 Encounter for plastic and reconstructive surgery following medical procedure or healed injury Z43 Encounter for attention to artificial openings Z44 Encounter for fitting and adjustment of external prosthetic device Z45 …
- I.B.3Code or codes from A00.0 through T88.9, Z00-Z99.8, U00-U85Conventions & general rules
The appropriate code or codes from A00.0 through T88.9, Z00-Z99.8, and U00-U85 must be used to identify diagnoses, symptoms, conditions, problems, complaints or other reason(s) for the …
- I.C.20.a.1)Used with any code in the range of A00.0-T88.9, Z00-Z99Chapter 20
An external cause code may be used with any code in the range of A00.0-T88.9, Z00-Z99, classification that represents a health condition due to an external cause. …
- IV.BCodes from A00.0 through T88.9, Z00-Z99, U00-U85Outpatient services
The appropriate code(s) from A00.0 through T88.9, Z00-Z99 and U00-U85 must be used to identify diagnoses, symptoms, conditions, problems, complaints, or other reason(s) for the …
- IV.EEncounters for circumstances other than a disease or injuryOutpatient services
… The Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services codes (Z00- Z99) are provided to deal with occasions when circumstances other than a disease or injury are recorded as diagnosis or problems. …
Sections whose FY 2026 text names Z43, its Z43 category, or a range containing it — the chapter guidance above is the authoritative source.