Z Codes are a Subset of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes

They’re used to:

• Describe reasons for a patient’s visit to a health care facility
• Capture SDOH factors that influence health status and contact with health services

Z codes, including those that focus on SDOH, typically are framed as negative or problem statements.

Z codes expand on an existing classification system that physician facilities, hospitals, and health systems already use and are familiar with. They become part of a patient’s EHR and claims history.