Lack of adequate food
ICD-10 Z59.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lack of adequate food.
Z59.4 refers to the lack of adequate food, which is a significant social determinant of health impacting individuals' overall well-being and health outcomes. This code is utilized when patients face food insecurity, which can lead to malnutrition, chronic diseases, and increased healthcare utilization. Factors influencing health status include socioeconomic status, access to food resources, and education about nutrition. Preventive care strategies may involve screening for food insecurity during routine health visits, providing referrals to food assistance programs, and integrating nutrition education into patient care. Health services contact may increase due to complications arising from inadequate nutrition, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address both medical and social needs. Proper documentation of food insecurity is crucial for effective care planning and resource allocation.
Document screening for food insecurity, referrals made, and patient education provided.
Routine checkups where food insecurity is identified, follow-up visits for nutrition-related health issues.
Consideration of social determinants and their impact on patient health outcomes.
Population-level data collection on food insecurity, tracking interventions and outcomes.
Community health assessments, epidemiological studies focusing on food access.
Importance of reporting food insecurity trends for public health initiatives.
Used when counseling on nutrition and food access is provided.
Document the counseling session and any resources provided.
Important in primary care settings for addressing social determinants.
Z59.4 should be documented with specific details about the patient's food insecurity status, any screenings conducted, and referrals made to food assistance programs.
