ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ60.2

Z60.2

Problems related to living alone

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Z60.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of problems related to living alone.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z60.2 captures the challenges faced by individuals living alone, which can significantly influence their health status and interaction with healthcare services. Living alone can lead to social isolation, increased mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and a lack of support for managing chronic conditions. These factors can hinder access to preventive care and timely medical interventions. Individuals living alone may miss routine screenings and preventive services due to lack of motivation or support. Healthcare providers should assess the social determinants affecting these patients, including their living situation, social networks, and access to community resources. Preventive care strategies may include outreach programs, mental health screenings, and community engagement initiatives to improve health outcomes for this population. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective care planning and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied patient demographics and health statuses
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of social determinants
  • Potential overlap with other Z codes related to social issues
  • Challenges in assessing the impact of living alone on health

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of living conditions
  • Failure to link Z code with relevant clinical conditions
  • Misuse of Z code as primary diagnosis without supporting evidence
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for preventive services

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Document social history, mental health assessments, and preventive care received.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups, screenings for depression, and follow-up visits for chronic disease management.

Billing Considerations

Consider the impact of social isolation on treatment adherence and health outcomes.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Collect data on population health trends, social determinants, and community resources.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies assessing the health impacts of living alone.

Billing Considerations

Focus on community outreach and health education initiatives.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z60.2 When
  • Z codes should be used when the reason for the encounter is not a disease or injury but relates to social circumstances
  • 2 can be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis to provide context for the primary diagnosis
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it's essential to verify coverage for Z code usage

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z60.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99406CPT Code

Smoking cessation counseling visit

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with Z60.2 when addressing lifestyle changes for patients living alone.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's smoking status and counseling provided.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should assess the impact of living alone on smoking cessation efforts.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants like living alone, enabling better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants like living alone, enabling better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants like living alone, enabling better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Social Determinants of Health

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Social Determinants of Health

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z60.2 be used?

Z60.2 should be used when a patient's living alone is impacting their health status or access to care. It is important to document the specific challenges faced by the patient and any interventions planned to address these issues.