ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for substance abuse counseling
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Counseling (for) › substance abuse”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding substance abuse counseling
The ICD-10-CM code for substance abuse counseling is Z71.89 (Other specified counseling). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Z71.89.
Within Z71.8, choose Z71.89 (Other specified counseling) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Spiritual or religious counseling (Z71.81), exercise counseling (Z71.82), encounter for nonprocreative genetic counseling (Z71.83), encounter for health counseling related to travel (Z71.84), encounter for immunization safety counseling (Z71.85), encounter for pediatric-to-adult transition counseling (Z71.87) and encounter for counseling for socioeconomic factors (Z71.88).
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 substance abuse counseling codes (official index)
Common questions about substance abuse counseling ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for substance abuse counseling?
- Z71.89 — Other specified counseling. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z71.41, Z71.51, Z71.6.
What is the ICD-10 code for alcohol substance abuse counseling?
- Z71.41 — Alcohol abuse counseling and surveillance of alcoholic.
What is the ICD-10 code for drug substance abuse counseling?
- Z71.51 — Drug abuse counseling and surveillance of drug abuser.
What is the ICD-10 code for tobacco substance abuse counseling?
- Z71.6 — Tobacco abuse counseling.
Is Z71.89 billable?
- Yes. Z71.89 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z71.89 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 Z71.89 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z71.89 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.