Top 10 Z codes for social determinants of health

Which Z code had the most patient visits in 2021?

Code Z590, homelessness, ranks first on our list by percent of SDOH encounters, with 9.30%. This code describes a patient visit for an individual living without permanent or reliable shelter.

In second place is code Z630, problems in a relationship with spouse or partner, with 8.40%. This code indicates relationship distress with an intimate partner or spouse, but it does not involve counseling.

Next is code Z634, disappearance and death of a family member, with 7.00%. This code covers the assumed death of a family member and bereavement.

What are Z codes?

ICD-10 codes which begin with the letter Z, from the range of Z55-Z65, reflect societal factors that impact access to healthcare.

Z codes generally exist across nine categories:

1. Problems related to education and literacy
2. Problems related to employment and unemployment
3. Occupational exposure to risk factors
4. Problems related to housing and economic circumstances
5. Problems related to social environment
6. Problems related to upbringing
7. Other problems related to primary support group, including family circumstances
8. Problems related to certain psychosocial circumstances
9. Problems related to other psychosocial circumstances

Z codes are important to healthcare because they provide data on how psychosocial, environmental, and economic factors affect how people access and engage with healthcare. In turn, this data helps measure and improve healthcare inequalities.

What are social determinants of health?

Social determinants of health are social and environmental factors that impact outcomes related to health, quality of life, and functioning. SDOH also contribute to inequities and disparities in health. SDOH are grouped into five domains:

1. Economic stability
2. Education access and quality
3. Healthcare access and quality
4. Neighborhood and built environment
5. Social and community context

Some social determinants of health examples include access to nutritious foods, experience with racism, and access to safe housing.

SDOH screenings

Healthcare organizations are starting to develop and implement screenings for SDOH to better understand their patient population and the social issues affecting their health and well-being. Many organizations will choose either digital surveys or paper-based forms to conduct their screenings. Even more, organizations need to consider not only what questions they ask, but how they ask these questions in a sensitive and respectful way.

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