Using Z Codes to Turn Social Determinants of Health Insights into Better Healthcare

Research in recent years has identified several non-medical factors that greatly influence health outcomes, referred to as social determinants of health (SDoH). However, health equity gains from these insights are held back, in part, by many providers not using the appropriate Z codes to record and track relevant SDoH data.

According to Allison Oakes, PhD, and Sanjula Jain, PhD, “In 2016, diagnosis codes Z55-Z65 were introduced to the medical coding system to allow providers to report the presence of non-clinical factors that are known to influence health outcomes (such as employment, housing, food insecurity, etc.). When appropriately documented, these Z codes are an effective way for providers and health plans to coordinate care and to develop targeted community-based interventions. However, uptake has been slow due to administrative burden, a lack of standards, a lack of provider awareness, as well as providers being ill-equipped to address these needs.”

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(Source: The Hill, March 21^st, 2023)