Increased Use of Z Codes in Ambulatory Surgery Reveals Socioeconomic Needs

Researchers analyzed data from 41,827 ambulatory surgery encounters from 2016 to 2019 and found a 16.1% increase in the use of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) Z codes. The most commonly documented health determinants were multiparity or unwanted pregnancy, homelessness, and incarceration. The study suggests that rates of Z code use in the ambulatory surgery setting are rising, indicating a growing recognition of socioeconomic needs; however, current documentation remains specific but not sensitive enough to capture the full extent of these needs.