Screening for phenylketonuria (PKU)

This code signifies a screening encounter specifically for phenylketonuria (PKU), an inherited metabolic disorder that can lead to intellectual disability if untreated. The screening aims to detect elevated levels of phenylalanine in the blood, which is indicative of the condition.

This code is primarily used for routine newborn screening programs designed to identify PKU early. It applies when a patient, typically an infant, undergoes testing to determine the presence of this metabolic disorder, even in the absence of symptoms.

• This code is for screening purposes only; do not use it if a diagnosis of PKU has already been established.
• For confirmed cases of PKU, a specific diagnosis code from the 270.x series should be used.
• Ensure documentation clearly indicates the screening nature of the encounter, such as "newborn screening for PKU."