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Health NetMedicaid · Billing Codes · Coding · CAMedium impact

24-395m Use the Most Descriptive SDOH Z Codes on Claims and Encounters

Act
immediately
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026

Summary

Health Net now requires providers to use the most specific Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Z codes (Z55-Z65) when documenting patient circumstances on claims and encounters. For categories Z55, Z58, Z59, and Z62, providers must drill down to the most descriptive subcodes rather than using general category codes.

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What to do

immediately · 3 steps
01Billing team and providers must update documentation practices to use the most specific SDOH Z codes available.
02For Z55, Z58, Z59, and Z62 categories, drill down to subcodes (e.g., use Z59.12 for inadequate housing utilities instead of Z59.1 for inadequate housing).
03Update EMR templates and provider training to ensure proper code selection for documenting social determinants of health.

Codes mentioned

Z55Z56Z57Z58Z59Z60Z62Z63Z64Z65Z59.12Z59.1

Original notice

24-395m Use the Most Descriptive SDOH Z Codes on Claims and Encounters
providerlibrary.healthnetcalifornia.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
View original ↗

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