Billable / Specific Code
ICD-10-CM Z48.02 is the diagnosis code for Encounter for removal of sutures. This code falls under the section "Encounters for other specific health care" within Chapter 21 — Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
Understanding where Z48.02 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
Yes, Z48.02 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Z48.02 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Encounter for removal of sutures". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
The parent code of Z48.02 is Z48.0 ("Encounter for attention to dressings, sutures and drains"). Z48.02 provides a more specific classification within this category.
Z48.02 is located in Section Z40-Z53 — "Encounters for other specific health care" within Chapter 21 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Use Z48.02 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Encounter for removal of sutures" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Encounter for removal of sutures is Z48.02.
Yes, Z48.02 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.
Z48.02 is in Chapter 21 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, Z48.02 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.