ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for poverty NEC
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Poverty NEC”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding poverty NEC
The ICD-10-CM code for poverty NEC is Z59.6 (Low income). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Z59.6.
Within Z59 (problems related to housing and economic circumstances), Z59.6 is specifically for low income. Related codes cover homelessness (Z59.0), inadequate housing (Z59.1), discord with neighbors, lodgers and landlord (Z59.2), problems related to living in residential institution (Z59.3), lack of adequate food (Z59.4), extreme poverty (Z59.5), insufficient social insurance and welfare support (Z59.7), other problems related to housing and economic circumstances (Z59.8) and 1 more.
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.
More specific poverty NEC codes (official index)
- extreme Z59.5 — Extreme poverty
Common questions about poverty NEC ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for poverty NEC?
- Z59.6 — Low income. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z59.5.
What is the ICD-10 code for extreme poverty nec?
- Z59.5 — Extreme poverty.
Is Z59.6 billable?
- Yes. Z59.6 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z59.6 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 Z59.6 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z59.6 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.