Excludes1 pair
Z48.0- vs Z48.1
Z48.0 and Z48.1 are not coded together. ICD-10-CM declares them mutually exclusive with an Excludes1 note — the two conditions are not expected to occur together, so exactly one of them is normally correct for a given encounter. The Official Guidelines carve out one exception: if the two conditions are clearly unrelated to each other, both may be reported.
The official note, declared on Z48.0
encounter for planned postprocedural wound closure (Z48.1)
Z48.0
Encounter for attention to dressings, sutures and drains
Not billable
- Chapter 21
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
- Section
- Z40-Z53
Indexed under
- Wound check
- Checking › wound
Z48.1
Encounter for planned postprocedural wound closure
Billable
- Chapter 21
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
- Section
- Z40-Z53
Indexed under
- Aftercare › following surgery › delayed wound closure (planned)
- Aftercare › following surgery › planned wound closure
Excludes1 is not always absolute: where two conditions covered by the note are genuinely unrelated, CMS guidance permits reporting both. Document the reasoning rather than assuming it. More on Excludes1 vs Excludes2 · FY2027