Food insecurity

This code indicates that an individual experiences limited or uncertain access to adequate food due to lack of money or other resources. It signifies a household-level economic and social condition that impacts an individual's ability to obtain sufficient nutritious food.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a patient is experiencing food insecurity, such as "patient reports food insecurity" or "patient screened positive for food insecurity." It is appropriate when the lack of consistent access to food is identified as a social determinant of health impacting the patient's well-being.

• Always ensure documentation clearly supports the presence of food insecurity.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis, used in conjunction with codes for conditions exacerbated by or related to food insecurity.
• Do not use for temporary or acute hunger episodes not related to systemic access issues.