What is the purpose of Z codes in ICD-10-CM coding?

Z codes in ICD-10-CM are specifically designed to provide context about the patient's health status beyond just diseases or injuries. These codes indicate reasons for encounters that are not always related to the treatment of diseases or conditions. Option C is correct because Z codes are often used to document aftercare and follow-up visits, allowing healthcare providers to code for encounters that focus on monitoring a patient’s ongoing health needs, rehabilitation, or preventive measures.

While Z codes can sometimes relate to social determinants of health and could potentially intersect with aftercare, their primary role is not solely to document those social factors or surgical history. Instead, they focus largely on the circumstances surrounding health care encounters. This makes option C the appropriate choice as it encapsulates the primary use of Z codes within the coding framework, emphasizing the importance of aftercare and follow-up in the management of a patient's health.