Z36.8A Encounter for antenatal screening for other genetic defects

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 Z36.8A

• Encounter (with health service) (for) › antenatal screening › specified genetic defects NEC

Nearby codes

• Z36.85 Encounter for antenatal screening for Streptococcus B
• Z36.86 Encounter for antenatal screening for cervical length
• Z36.87 Encounter for antenatal screening for uncertain dates
• Z36.88 Encounter for antenatal screening for fetal macrosomia
• Z36.89 Encounter for other specified antenatal screening
• Z36.8A Encounter for antenatal screening for other genetic defects (this code)
• Z36.9 Encounter for antenatal screening, unspecified