ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code Z16.21: Resistance to vancomycin

Z16.21 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Resistance to vancomycin in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents resistance to vancomycin in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
21Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
block
Z16Resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16)
category
Z16Resistance to antimicrobial drugs
category
Z16.2Resistance to other antibiotics
currentZ16.2

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

General Physician

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Resistance to vancomycin

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeZ16.21
SystemICD10
Display nameResistance to vancomycin
ChapterFactors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
BlockResistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16)

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Resistance, resistant(to)

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code Z16.21 for Resistance to vancomycin | HealthAssure