Wiki Z02.9 FMLA Paperwork?

[kayleeevans907]

I have at least one provider that has started appending Z02.9 when he fills out FMLA paperwork for a patient during an office visit. Is it inappropriate for me to remove this since it's in relation to the illness/injury that's being evaluated? Insurance denies claims that have this diagnosis code.
Thanks!

 

[thomas7331]

It's appropriate for you to remove the code. Per the guidelines the Z02 codes may only be a principal or first-listed code - it's incorrect coding to add this as a secondary code. These codes describe an encounter done for administrative reasons, not for the treatment of an illness or injury.