Z48.02 – Encounter for removal of sutures

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Encounters for other specific health care

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code Z48.02

Code: Z48.02 (claims format: Z4802)
Description: Encounter for removal of sutures
Billable: Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 21. Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
Block: Z40-Z53 Encounters for other specific health care
Parent codes: Z48 › Z48.0

Notes for Z48.02

Applicable to:

Encounter for removal of staples

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Z48 – Encounter for other postprocedural aftercare

Excludes1 (not coded here):

encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment (Z08-Z09)
encounter for aftercare following injury - code to Injury, by site, with appropriate 7th character for subsequent encounter

Excludes2 (not included here):

encounter for attention to artificial openings (Z43.-)
encounter for fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)

Z48.0 – Encounter for attention to dressings, sutures and drains

Excludes1 (not coded here):

encounter for planned postprocedural wound closure (Z48.1)

Block Z40-Z53

Applicable to:

Categories Z40-Z53 are intended for use to indicate a reason for care. They may be used for patients who have already been treated for a disease or injury, but who are receiving aftercare or prophylactic care, or care to consolidate the treatment, or to deal with a residual state

Excludes2 (not included here):

follow-up examination for medical surveillance after treatment (Z08-Z09)

Index terms for Z48.02

Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:

Related codes in Z48.0

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code Z48.02?

Z48.02 is the ICD-10-CM code for encounter for removal of sutures, in the block Z40-Z53 (Encounters for other specific health care).

Is Z48.02 a billable code?

Yes. Z48.02 is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What category does Z48.02 belong to?

It belongs to category Z48 – Encounter for other postprocedural aftercare.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.