Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] counseling

This code signifies a patient encounter focused on providing information, education, and guidance related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It encompasses discussions about HIV transmission, prevention strategies, testing options, and the implications of an HIV diagnosis. This counseling is distinct from actual HIV testing or treatment.

This code is appropriate when a patient receives counseling regarding HIV risk, prevention, or testing, but no HIV test is performed during that encounter, or the test results are not yet available. It can be used for pre-test counseling, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) counseling, or general health education sessions about HIV.

• Do not use this code if an HIV test is performed and a definitive diagnosis (positive or negative) is established during the same encounter; instead, code the test and the appropriate Z-code for the test result.
• This code is for counseling only; it does not indicate an HIV diagnosis or the administration of treatment.
• Consider using this code in conjunction with other Z-codes that describe the reason for the encounter, such as Z11.4 (Encounter for screening for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) if the counseling is part of a screening discussion.