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Capturing Social Determinants of Health Using Z Codes

Hospital Quality Measures

Beginning in 2024, hospitals participating in the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program must report on the Screening for Social Drivers of Health Measure and the Screen Positive Rate for Social Drivers of Health Measure.

Use applicable Z codes if a patient screens positive for health-related social needs (HRSNs):

  • Food insecurity
  • Housing instability
  • Transportation needs
  • Utility difficulties
  • Interpersonal safety

The Screening for Social Drivers of Health Measure assesses whether a hospital screens all patients 18 years or older for HRSNs at time of admission.

The Screen Positive Rate for Social Drivers of Health Measure provides information on the percent of patients admitted for an inpatient hospital stay who:

  • Are 18 years old or older on the date of admission
  • Were screened for an HRSN
  • Screened positive for 1 or more of the 5 HRSNs