Problems related to physical environment (Z58)
The ICD-10 code Z58 category is used to identify issues stemming from the physical environment that affect health. These codes help document specific environmental problems like inadequate drinking water or lack of basic services.
Z58.6 covers difficulties with accessing safe drinking water, sometimes described as “able to access potable water with difficulty” or “water supply insufficient.” This code applies when water availability impacts health outcomes. Codes Z58.8, Z58.81, and Z58.89 capture other environmental challenges, including the absence of basic services or conditions like land and soil degradation. These codes highlight factors outside of direct medical conditions but influencing a person’s well-being due to their surroundings. Understanding and using the ICD-10 code for problems related to physical environment allows healthcare providers and coders to accurately note how environmental issues contribute to patient health risks or social determinants of health.
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 Z57
