Z59.0 ICD-10-CA code: Homelessness

Note

• It is mandatory to assign Z59.0 Homelessness as a diagnosis type (3)/other problem. To assign the code Z59.0 Homelessness, use Documentation of homelessness; or Documentation that reflects the components of the COH definition of homelessness, as outlined below. Do not assign Z59.0 Homelessness for History of homelessness; or Patients at risk of homelessness. Note Documentation of homelessness is not limited to physician documentation. The intent is to assign a code for homelessness when it is noted on routine review of the record, not to conduct an exhaustive search of all ancillary documentation for reference to homelessness. When there is uncertainty as to whether a case qualifies as a patient experiencing homelessness, seek clarification from your jurisdiction or facility. Canadian definition of homelessness The 3 components of the COH definition of homelessness that may be used to assign the code Z59.0 Homelessness are as follows: Unsheltered: Living in public or private spaces without consent or living in places not intended for permanent human habitation (e.g., public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, forests, vacant buildings [squatting], cars or other vehicles, makeshift shelters, shacks or tents). Emergency sheltered: Accessing emergency shelter (e.g., emergency overnight shelters, shelters for those impacted by family violence or emergency shelters for people fleeing natural disaster or destruction of accommodation due to fires, floods, etc.). Provisionally accommodated: Staying in temporary accommodations (e.g., motel, rooming house, friend’s/family member’s home, temporary housing for immigrants and refugees during settlement without immediate prospects for securing permanent housing). The fourth component of the COH definition of homelessness — at risk of homelessness — is not used to assign Z59.0.
• This chapter should not be used for international comparison or for primary mortality coding.Categories Z00-Z99 are provided for occasions when circumstances other than a disease, injury or external cause classifiable to categories A00-Y89 are recorded as "diagnoses" or "problems". This can arise in two main ways:(a) When a person who may or may not be sick encounters the health services for some specific purpose, such as to receive limited care or service for a current condition, to donate an organ or tissue, to receive prophylactic vaccination or to discuss a problem which is in itself not a disease or injury.(b) When some circumstance or problem is present which influences the person's health status but is not in itself a current illness or injury. Such factors may be elicited during population surveys, when the person may or may not be currently sick, or be recorded as an additional factor to be borne in mind when the person is receiving care for some illness or injury.From Chapter 21: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)