ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for disaster victim
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Victim (of) › disaster”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding disaster victim
The ICD-10-CM code for disaster victim is Z65.5 (Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities).
Within Z65, choose Z65.5 (Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Conviction in civil and criminal proceedings without imprisonment (Z65.0), imprisonment and other incarceration (Z65.1), problems related to release from prison (Z65.2), problems related to other legal circumstances (Z65.3), victim of crime and terrorism (Z65.4), other specified problems related to psychosocial circumstances (Z65.8) and problem related to unspecified psychosocial circumstances (Z65.9).
Don't report Z65.5 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: target of perceived discrimination or persecution (Z60.5).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for Z65.5)
- target of perceived discrimination or persecution (Z60.5)
Common questions about disaster victim ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for disaster victim?
- Z65.5 — Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities.
Is Z65.5 billable?
- Yes. Z65.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z65.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- No. It is not acceptable as the principal diagnosis for an inpatient stay; it may be reported as a secondary diagnosis.
Is Z65.5 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z65.5 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.