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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ56.81

Z56.81

Sexual harassment on the job

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z56.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sexual harassment on the job.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z56.81 is used to indicate instances of sexual harassment occurring in the workplace, which can significantly impact an individual's mental and physical health. This code reflects the social determinants of health, as workplace harassment can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other health issues, influencing an individual's overall health status and their interaction with health services. Preventive care may include workplace training and policies to mitigate harassment, while screening may involve assessments for mental health issues stemming from such experiences. Aftercare could involve counseling or therapy to address the psychological effects of harassment. Proper documentation is essential to capture the context of the harassment and its impact on health, ensuring appropriate care and support for affected individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for detailed documentation of the harassment incident.
  • Potential overlap with mental health diagnoses.
  • Variability in state and federal reporting requirements.
  • Impact on workplace safety and employee health.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the harassment incident.
  • Failure to link the Z code to relevant mental health diagnoses.
  • Misuse of the code in non-work-related contexts.
  • Lack of follow-up care documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include details of the harassment incident, mental health assessments, and any referrals for counseling or therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where patients disclose experiences of harassment, screenings for anxiety or depression related to workplace issues.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as workplace culture and support systems available to the patient.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should focus on population-level data regarding workplace harassment and its health impacts.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies assessing the prevalence of harassment and its effects on community health.

Billing Considerations

Importance of tracking health outcomes related to workplace harassment for public health initiatives.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z56.81 When
  • Z codes are used to indicate factors influencing health status and contact with health services
  • 81 should be used when the primary reason for the visit is related to the effects of sexual harassment
  • It is important to sequence this code appropriately, often following a primary diagnosis related to mental health or physical symptoms resulting from the harassment
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to verify coverage for services related to this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z56.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99406CPT Code

Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit

Clinical Scenario

Used when counseling is provided to a patient affected by workplace harassment who smokes as a coping mechanism.

Documentation Requirements

Document the counseling session and its relevance to the patient's experience of harassment.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should be aware of the mental health implications of harassment.

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 of health, such as workplace harassment, enabling better tracking and management of its health impacts.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding social determinants of health, such as workplace harassment, enabling better tracking and management of its health impacts.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Preventive Guidelines for Workplace Harassment

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Preventive Guidelines for Workplace Harassment

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z56.81 be used?

Z56.81 should be used when a patient presents with health issues directly related to experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace, and it should be documented thoroughly to support its use.