The American Medical Association and UnitedHealthcare said they are collaborating to support 20 new ICD-10 codes related to social determinants of health.
The codes aim to more effectively address nonmedical issues, such as food, housing, transportation and the ability to afford medicine, utilities and other services.
The proposal for the codes was submitted to the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee, which includes members from the CDC and CMS. If federal officials approve the proposed codes, they would apply beginning Oct. 1, 2020, according to the AMA .
The proposed codes are:
- Z55.5 Less than a high school degree
- Z55.6 High school diploma or GED
- Z56.83 Unemployed and seeking work
- Z56.84 Unemployed but not seeking work
- Z56.85 Employed part time or temporary
- Z59.61 Unable to pay for prescriptions
- Z59.62 Unable to pay for utilities
- Z59.63 Unable to pay for medical care
- Z59.64 Unable to pay for transportation for medical appointments or prescriptions
- Z59.65 Unable to pay for phone
- Z59.66 Unable to pay for adequate clothing
- Z59.67 Unable to find or pay for child care
- Z59.69 Unable to pay for other needed items
- Z59.91 Worried about losing housing
- Z60.81 Unable to deal with stress
- Z60.82 Inadequate social interaction - limited to once or twice a week
- Z60.83 Can hardly ever count on family and friends in times of trouble
- Z60.84 Feeling unsafe in current location
- Z60.85 Stressed quite a bit or very much
- Z60.86 Stressed somewhat
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