Low income

This code identifies a patient's socioeconomic status as experiencing low income. It reflects a social determinant of health (SDOH) that can significantly impact access to care, health outcomes, and adherence to treatment plans. This factor is crucial for understanding the broader context of a patient's health.

Assign this code when a patient self-reports or a clinician documents that the patient's income level is low, potentially affecting their ability to afford healthcare, medications, or nutritious food. It is appropriate when low income is identified as a contributing factor to the patient's health status or treatment plan. This code should be used in conjunction with other relevant medical diagnoses.

• Always document the source of information (e.g., patient self-report, social worker assessment).
• Do not assign this code solely based on assumptions; clinical documentation must support its use.
• Consider using this code in conjunction with other SDOH codes to provide a comprehensive picture of the patient's social circumstances.