Do not resuscitate status (Z66)

Z66 is used to indicate a patient's official do not resuscitate (DNR) status. This code documents that cardiopulmonary resuscitation should not be performed in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

The Z66 code specifically covers conditions where a do not resuscitate order, also known as "not for resuscitation" or "not for cardiopulmonary resuscitation," is in place with proper supporting documentation. This code helps healthcare providers and medical coders clearly record that life-saving measures like CPR have been intentionally discontinued or withheld per the patient’s or surrogate’s wishes. It ensures the patient’s resuscitation status is communicated across clinical settings to prevent unwanted intervention. Synonyms such as "finding of resuscitation status" or "cardiopulmonary resuscitation discontinued due to do not resuscitate order" all relate back to this single, crucial code. Using Z66 allows for precise health record keeping regarding resuscitation directives, facilitating respectful and legally compliant patient care.