Z36.81 Encounter for antenatal screening for hydrops fetalis

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

Applies from Z36 Encounter for antenatal screening of mother

Includes

• Encounter for placental sample (taken vaginally)
• 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)

• diagnostic examination- code to sign or symptom
• encounter for suspected maternal and fetal conditions ruled out (Z03.7-)
• suspected fetal condition affecting management of pregnancy - code to condition in Chapter 15

Excludes2 (not included here)

• abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
• genetic counseling and testing (Z31.43-, Z31.5)
• routine prenatal care (Z34)

MS-DRG index

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

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• V28.89 Other specified antenatal screening (approximate)

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

• Maternity diagnoses (age 9 through 64): Age conflict edit. These diagnoses are clinically expected only in patients age 9 through 64.

Diagnosis Index entries for Z36.81

• Encounter (with health service) (for) › antenatal screening › hydrops fetalis

Nearby codes

• Z36.2 Encounter for other antenatal screening follow-up
• Z36.3 Encounter for antenatal screening for malformations
• Z36.4 Encounter for antenatal screening for fetal growth retardation
• Z36.5 Encounter for antenatal screening for isoimmunization
• Z36.8 Encounter for other antenatal screening
• Z36.81 Encounter for antenatal screening for hydrops fetalis (this code)
• Z36.82 Encounter for antenatal screening for nuchal translucency
• Z36.83 Encounter for fetal screening for congenital cardiac abnormalities
• Z36.84 Encounter for antenatal screening for fetal lung maturity
• Z36.85 Encounter for antenatal screening for Streptococcus B
• Z36.86 Encounter for antenatal screening for cervical length