Ask Dr. Z

Is it appropriate to use the aftercare Z codes such as Z48.03, Z46.82 along with the dx code when the patient returns for drain checks with or without exchanges when the condition is still under treatment such as an abscess? Or should the return visits be coded with the diagnosis code alone with no Z code? Having trouble determining if the drain management visits are considered aftercare during the "healing/recovery phase" since we are still currently treating/evaluating the condition and adjusting the plan of care on each return visit. Also when the abscess is determined to be resolved during the visit would it be appropriate to still report the abscess as the first listed diagnosis since that is what was chiefly responsible for the services during the encounter? Or should it be a Z code alone since the most definitive diagnosis is that it no longer exists and is resolved?