ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for health literacy problem
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Problem (with) (related to) › health literacy”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding health literacy problem
The ICD-10-CM code for health literacy problem is Z55.6 (Problems related to health literacy).
Within Z55 (problems related to education and literacy), Z55.6 is specifically for problems related to health literacy. Related codes cover Illiteracy and low-level literacy (Z55.0), Schooling unavailable and unattainable (Z55.1), failed school examinations (Z55.2), underachievement in school (Z55.3), educational maladjustment and discord with teachers and classmates (Z55.4), less than a high school diploma (Z55.5), other problems related to education and literacy (Z55.8) and unspecified (Z55.9).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 951 (Other Factors Influencing Health Status, relative weight 0.5577), in MDC 23 (Factors Influencing Health Status and Other Contacts with Health Services), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about health literacy problem ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for health literacy problem?
- Z55.6 — Problems related to health literacy.
Is Z55.6 billable?
- Yes. Z55.6 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z55.6 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 Z55.6 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z55.6 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.