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Week 6

Respond to the following question in a minimum of 175 words each question, post must be substantive responses: 

Explain v-codes and z-codes and how they inform and guide treatment. How are they different from the ICD-10 F-codes?

Respond to classmates in a minimum of 175 words each person, post must be substantive responses: 

D.B.

V-codes, described in the ICD-9-CM are "designed for occasions when circumstances other than a disease or injury result in an encounter or are recorded by providers as problems or factors that influence care". Under ICD-10-CM, these services are reported under Z-codes. Z-codes may be used as either a first-listed (principal diagnosis code in the inpatient setting) or secondary code, depending on the circumstances of the encounter. Certain Z-codes may only be used as first-listed or principal diagnosis. Z-codes are used when a circumstance or problem that influences the person's health status is present but is not in itself a current illness or injury. These codes can guide treatment by providing additional information about the patient's history. For example, a Z code for heart transplant status would guide the care of the patient even though that is not the reason for the current encounter.

ICD-10 F-codes are diagnosis codes for anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders. These are diagnosis codes for mental and behavioral health. Z-codes represent reasons for encounters, while F-codes represent a diagnosis.

H.G.

V and z codes may be focused on in treatment but are not considered to be a mental health disorder. V and z codes are considered a classification of things that may be focused on by a counselor. Some insurances and other companies will not accept v and z codes as a diagnosis. V and z codes may be something discussed in the section of other things that may be focused on. For example, legal problems or encounter with the legal system, or relationship problems. Another thing that may fall under the z and v codes is neglect and abuse. There are other things that individuals may be experiencing problems with but there is no diagnosis. It is important that there is awareness of other issues or problems that may come up when assisting an individual. The ICD-10-F codes are more related to the DSM 5 and involve more recognizable problems. When assisting an individual, it is important to develop a proper diagnosis and one may attach the v and z codes. Individuals may experience a variety of problems so it is important to be aware of different areas individuals may be experiencing problems in.

Reference:

Pomeroy, E. (2014). The Clinical Assessment Workbook: Balencing Strengths and Differential Diagnosis. (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.