Unsheltered homelessness

This code signifies that a patient is experiencing homelessness without access to any form of shelter, such as a house, apartment, or temporary shelter. It indicates a severe lack of stable housing, often involving sleeping in public spaces, vehicles, or other places not meant for human habitation.

Use this code when a patient's medical record clearly documents their current living situation as unsheltered. This may be identified during intake, social work assessments, or through direct patient report during an encounter. It is particularly relevant when homelessness impacts treatment plans or health outcomes.

• Always ensure documentation explicitly states "unsheltered" or describes a living situation consistent with unsheltered homelessness.
• This code should be used as a secondary diagnosis to provide context for the patient's health status and social determinants of health.
• Do not use this code if the patient is residing in a temporary shelter, transitional housing, or other sheltered accommodations.