ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Hospice encounter
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Encounter (with health service) (for) › hospice”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Hospice encounter
The ICD-10-CM code for Hospice encounter is Z51.5 (Encounter for palliative care).
Within Z51 (encounter for other aftercare and medical care), Z51.5 is specifically for encounter for palliative care. Related codes cover antineoplastic radiation therapy (Z51.0), antineoplastic chemotherapy and immunotherapy (Z51.1), desensitization to allergens (Z51.6), other specified aftercare (Z51.8) and sepsis aftercare (Z51.A).
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 Hospice encounter ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Hospice encounter?
- Z51.5 — Encounter for palliative care.
Is Z51.5 billable?
- Yes. Z51.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z51.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Z51.5 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Z51.5 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z51.5 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.