In 2023, new ICD-10 codes were introduced to better capture the distinctions of sleep-related issues, reflecting growing awareness of their impact on health. ICD-10 “Z” codes are diagnostic codes in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), used to represent factors that influence health status and contact with health services, but are not themselves diseases or injuries.
These codes are typically used in situations where a patient presents with circumstances that affect their health but do not involve a specific illness or injury, such as screenings, preventative care, or social determinants of health. Common uses for Z codes are: preventative services, family history, vaccinations, social determinants of health, and follow-up care.These additions highlight the importance of addressing and accurately coding various sleep-related issues in clinical settings.
| ICD-10 Code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| Z72.820 | Specific to sleep deprivation, acknowledging the widespread and often underreported issue of insufficient sleep |
| Z72.821 | Focuses on inadequate sleep hygiene, which refers to poor habits and environmental factors that negatively impact sleep quality |
| Z72.823 | Addresses the unique risk of suffocation (smothering) under another while asleep, a specific but serious safety concern during sleep |
Members may send questions regarding the Z codes to coding@aasm.org.
