Use of Z Codes in Any Healthcare Setting

Z codes are for use in any healthcare setting. Z codes may be used as either a first-listed (principal diagnosis code in the inpatient setting) or secondary code, depending on the circumstances of the encounter. Certain Z codes may only be used as first-listed or principal diagnosis. b.

Z Codes Indicate a Reason for an Encounter or Provide Additional Information about a Patient Encounter Z codes are not procedure codes. A corresponding procedure code must accompany a Z code to describe any procedure performed.