In simple words: This code is used when someone doesn't have a permanent place to live.This could be because they are poor, can't afford housing, have mental health problems, or have other issues.

This code classifies individuals lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.This can stem from various factors such as poverty, unaffordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse, or other socioeconomic issues.The code encompasses both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, as well as circumstances leading to housing instability.

Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with pneumonia. He is homeless and reports sleeping outdoors for the past six months. The physician documents Z59.02 (Unsheltered homelessness) along with the pneumonia diagnosis and administers treatment., A 28-year-old female is seen at a community health clinic for routine check-up. She lives in a homeless shelter and is considered to be in sheltered homelessness. Code Z59.01 applies in this case., A 17-year-old runaway is brought to the hospital by law enforcement after being found unconscious in a park. Upon regaining consciousness, he is evaluated and is coded with Z59.00, Homelessness, Unspecified, as the details of his living situation are unknown.

Documentation should include details about the patient's living situation, duration of homelessness, and any contributing factors such as poverty, mental illness, or substance abuse.Social services involvement should also be noted.

** Z59.0 is a reason for encounter code.It should always be accompanied by a diagnosis code for the condition addressed during the encounter.