Aftercare visit codes are assigned in situations in which the initial treatment of a disease has been performed but the patient requires continued care during the healing or recovery phase, or for the long-term consequences of the disease.

ICD-10 makes two important points about the use of aftercare codes in the final chapter.

• The aftercare Z code should not be used if treatment is directed at a current, acute disease.
• The aftercare Z codes should not be used for aftercare for injuries.

Certain aftercare Z code categories need a secondary diagnosis code to describe the resolving condition or sequelae. For others, the condition is included in the code title.

Additional Z code aftercare category terms include fitting and adjustment, and attention to artificial openings.