2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z56Problems related to employment and unemployment

ICD-10-CM Codes›Z00–Z99›Z55-Z65›Z56

ICD-10-CM Z56
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

Z56 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for problems related to employment and unemployment, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Z56.0, Z56.1, Z56.2, and Z56.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Z56
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Problems related to employment and unemployment
Short Description
Problems related to employment and unemployment
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
Z55-Z65
Persons with potential health hazards related to socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances

Code Classification

ChapterZ00–Z99Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
SectionZ55-Z65Persons with potential health hazards related to socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances
CategoryZ56Problems related to employment and unemployment
This CodeZ56Problems related to employment and unemployment

Specific Coding for Problems related to employment and unemploymentOverview

Non-specific codes like Z56 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Z56.0 for Unemployment, unspecified

  • Use Z56.1 for Change of job

  • Use Z56.2 for Threat of job loss

  • Use Z56.3 for Stressful work schedule

  • Use Z56.4 for Discord with boss and workmates

  • Use Z56.5 for Uncongenial work environment

  • Use Z56.6 for Other physical and mental strain related to work

  • Z56.8 for Other problems related to employment

  • Use Z56.81 for Sexual harassment on the job

  • Use Z56.82 for Military deployment status

  • Use Z56.89 for Other problems related to employment

  • Use Z56.9 for Unspecified problems related to employment

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Z56: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 21. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

  • occupational exposure to risk factors (Z57.-)
  • problems related to housing and economic circumstances (Z59.-)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 21 (Z00-Z99) Factors influencing health status and contact with health services applies to 1,425 codes
  • Z codes represent reasons for encounters. A corresponding procedure code must accompany a Z code if a procedure is performed. Categories Z00-Z99 are provided for occasions when circumstances other than a disease, injury or external cause classifiable to categories A00-Y89 are recorded as 'diagnoses' or 'problems'. This can arise in two main ways:
  • (a) When a person who may or may not be sick encounters the health services for some specific purpose, such as to receive limited care or service for a current condition, to donate an organ or tissue, to receive prophylactic vaccination (immunization), or to discuss a problem which is in itself not a disease or injury.
  • (b) When some circumstance or problem is present which influences the person's health status but is not in itself a current illness or injury.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name Z56, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming Z56: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • Z73.3 Stress, not elsewhere classified
    stress related to employment or unemployment (Z56.-)

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About Z56Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for problems related to employment and unemployment?

Z56 is the ICD-10-CM category for problems related to employment and unemployment, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is Z56 (Problems related to employment and unemployment) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for problems related to employment and unemployment, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for problems related to employment and unemployment need a more specific code from this category, such as Z56.0, Z56.1, and Z56.2.