Z Codes That Capture The Social Determinants Of Health

The z-codes that specifically address the social determinants of health are codes Z55-Z65. Examples of the major categories of these codes include problems related to education and literacy, problems related to housing and economic circumstance, and problems related to upbringing. These codes cannot be used as primary diagnoses but can be used as secondary diagnoses. Unlike most other ICD-10-CM codes, Z55-Z65 do not have to be coded by the consumer’s provider (defined as a physician or other clinical professional legally held accountable for establishing a diagnosis). They can be documented by any clinical professional . . .