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 CodesZ63.5

Z63.5

Disruption of family by separation and divorce

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z63.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disruption of family by separation and divorce.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z63.5 refers to the disruption of family dynamics due to separation or divorce, which can significantly impact an individual's mental and physical health. This disruption may lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, influencing health-seeking behaviors and contact with healthcare services. Individuals experiencing family separation may require preventive care, such as mental health screenings, and aftercare services to address the psychological effects of their situation. Social determinants of health, including economic stability, social support, and community context, play a crucial role in how individuals cope with these changes. Preventive measures, such as counseling and support groups, can mitigate adverse health outcomes, while screening for mental health issues is essential in primary care settings. Understanding the implications of family disruption is vital for healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care and support.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Documentation of the family disruption's impact on health status
  • Need for comprehensive mental health assessments
  • Variability in patient responses to family separation
  • Potential overlap with other Z codes related to social circumstances

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation linking the family disruption to health issues
  • Failure to capture the full impact on the patient's health status
  • Misuse of Z63.5 when a primary diagnosis is present
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for aftercare services

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documenting mental health screenings, preventive care visits, and follow-up plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where family disruption is discussed, screenings for anxiety or depression.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as economic stability and support systems.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Population-level data on the effects of family disruption on health outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies assessing the impact of divorce on community health.

Billing Considerations

Tracking health status changes in populations affected by family disruption.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z63.5 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient encounters health services for reasons other than a current illness or injury
  • 5 should be sequenced appropriately, often as a secondary diagnosis, to reflect the impact of family disruption on health
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it's essential to verify coverage for mental health services linked to this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z63.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

96127CPT Code

Brief emotional/behavioral assessment

Clinical Scenario

Used during visits where Z63.5 is documented to assess mental health impact.

Documentation Requirements

Document the assessment results and any referrals made.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive mental health evaluations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of social determinants of health, such as family disruption, enabling better tracking of health outcomes related to these factors.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of social determinants of health, such as family disruption, enabling better tracking of health outcomes related to these factors.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of social determinants of health, such as family disruption, enabling better tracking of health outcomes related to these factors.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Preventive Care Guidelines for Mental Health

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Preventive Care Guidelines for Mental Health

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z63.5 be used?

Z63.5 should be used when a patient's health status is significantly impacted by family separation or divorce, particularly in mental health contexts.