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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. Z00–Z99
  4. Z55-Z65
  5. Problems related to employment and unemployment (Z56)

Problems related to employment and unemployment (Z56)

The ICD-10 code Z56 covers a range of issues specifically linked to employment and unemployment. It is used to identify and document problems that affect a person’s work life, from job loss to stressful work conditions.

This section includes specific codes such as Z56.0 for "Unemployment, unspecified," which captures situations like recent job loss or receiving unemployment benefits. Z56.1 refers to a "Change of job," useful for coding cases of career moves or alterations in work duties. Codes like Z56.3 and Z56.5 address "Stressful work schedule" and "Uncongenial work environment," highlighting psychosocial and environmental challenges at work. For conflicts such as bullying or discord with colleagues, Z56.4 applies. Additionally, Z56.81 specifically identifies "Sexual harassment on the job," ensuring precise coding of this sensitive issue. The broader code Z56.89 captures other diverse employment-related problems, including difficulty adjusting to work or dissatisfaction with the job. Using these codes helps medical coders document workplace-related factors impacting a person’s health and social circumstances accurately.

Instructional Notations

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

  • occupational exposure to risk factors Z57
  • problems related to housing and economic circumstances Z59

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Absenteeism

Chronic absence from work or other duty.

Sexual Harassment

A form of discrimination in the workplace which violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Offensive sexual conduct may include unwelcome advances, comments, touching, questions about marital status and sex practices, etc. Both men and women may be aggressors or victims. (Slee and Slee, Health Care Terms, 2d ed, p.404). While civil rights legislation deals with sexual harassment in the workplace, the behavior is not restricted to this; it may take place outside the work environment: in schools, athletics, and other social milieus and activities.

Unemployment

The state of not being engaged in a gainful occupation.