Social Determinants of Health Z Codes: Important Codes To Know Before Patient’s Discharge

Z codes capture data on social determinants of health (SDOH). These codes are a tool for identifying a range of issues related – but not limited – to education and literacy, employment, housing, ability to obtain adequate amounts of food or safe drinking water, and occupational exposure to toxic agents, dust, or radiation. They can be used in any health setting (e.g., doctor’s office, hospital, skilled nursing facility (SNF) and by any provider (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner).

Z codes range from Z00 to Z99 and cover a variety of non-medical conditions that can affect a patient’s health, such as socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances.