Z13.42 Encounter for screening for global developmental delays (milestones)

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026. Exempt from present-on-admission (POA) reporting.

Applicable to

• Encounter for screening for developmental handicaps in early childhood

Applies from Z13 Encounter for screening for other diseases and disorders

Applicable to

• Screening is the testing for disease or disease precursors in asymptomatic individuals so that early detection and treatment can be provided for those who test positive for the disease.

Excludes1 (never code together)

• encounter for diagnostic examination-code to sign or symptom

Applies from Z13.4 Encounter for screening for certain developmental disorders in childhood

Applicable to

• Encounter for development testing of infant or child
• Encounter for screening for developmental handicaps in early childhood

Excludes2 (not included here)

• encounter for routine child health examination (Z00.12-)

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 951 in MDC 23.

Medicare Code Edits (MCE v43.1 (April 2026))

• Unacceptable principal diagnosis: These codes describe a circumstance which influences care but is not a current illness or injury, or capture only an underlying condition, and are unacceptable as principal diagnosis.

Code annotations containing back-references to Z13.42

Back-references to Z13

• Type 2 Excludes: Z00 Encounter for general examination without complaint, suspected or reported diagnosis ("special screening examinations (Z11-Z13)")
• Type 2 Excludes: Z01 Encounter for other special examination without complaint, suspected or reported diagnosis ("screening examinations (Z11-Z13)")

Diagnosis Index entries for Z13.42

• Screening (for) › developmental › delays › global (milestones)
• Screening (for) › developmental › handicap
• Screening (for) › developmental › handicap › in early childhood
• Screening (for) › disease or disorder › developmental delays › global (milestones)

Nearby codes

• Z13.32 Encounter for screening for maternal depression
• Z13.39 Encounter for screening examination for other mental health and behavioral disorders
• Z13.4 Encounter for screening for certain developmental disorders in childhood
• Z13.40 Encounter for screening for unspecified developmental delays
• Z13.41 Encounter for autism screening
• Z13.42 Encounter for screening for global developmental delays (milestones) (this code)
• Z13.49 Encounter for screening for other developmental delays
• Z13.5 Encounter for screening for eye and ear disorders
• Z13.6 Encounter for screening for cardiovascular disorders
• Z13.7 Encounter for screening for genetic and chromosomal anomalies
• Z13.71 Encounter for nonprocreative screening for genetic disease carrier status