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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ65.5

Z65.5

Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Z65.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z65.5 is used to indicate a patient's exposure to disasters, war, and other hostilities, which can significantly impact their mental and physical health. This exposure can lead to a range of health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, necessitating preventive care and screening for mental health conditions. Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and community support, play a crucial role in the health outcomes of individuals exposed to such traumatic events. Preventive care may include mental health screenings and counseling services, while aftercare may involve ongoing therapy and support groups. Understanding the context of a patient's exposure is essential for appropriate coding and care planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied documentation requirements based on the nature of exposure
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to establish context
  • Potential for co-morbid mental health conditions
  • Variability in patient responses to trauma

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of exposure details
  • Failure to link Z65.5 with relevant mental health diagnoses
  • Misuse of Z65.5 when not the primary reason for encounter
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for aftercare

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Document patient history of exposure, mental health screenings, and referrals to mental health services.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where patients disclose trauma exposure, screenings for anxiety or depression.

Billing Considerations

Consider social determinants such as housing instability or lack of community support.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Collect data on population exposure, health outcomes, and access to services.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies assessing the impact of disasters on community health.

Billing Considerations

Focus on health status tracking and resource allocation for affected populations.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z65.5 When
  • Z codes are used when a patient has been exposed to a disaster or war but does not have a specific diagnosis
  • They should be sequenced appropriately, often following a primary diagnosis related to mental health
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it's essential to check specific guidelines

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z65.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

96127CPT Code

Brief emotional/behavioral assessment

Clinical Scenario

Used during a visit where Z65.5 is documented to assess mental health status.

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 greater specificity in coding exposure to disasters and hostilities, improving the ability to track and address the health impacts of such exposures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding exposure to disasters and hostilities, improving the ability to track and address the health impacts of such exposures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding exposure to disasters and hostilities, improving the ability to track and address the health impacts of such exposures.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Mental Health and Disasters

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Mental Health and Disasters

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z65.5 be used?

Z65.5 should be used when a patient has been exposed to a disaster, war, or hostilities and requires assessment or treatment related to that exposure, particularly for mental health concerns.