ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code Z76.5: Malingerer [conscious simulation]

Z76.5 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Malingerer [conscious simulation] in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents malingerer [conscious simulation] in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
21Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
block
Z69-Z76Persons encountering health services in other circumstances
category
Z76Persons encountering health services in other circumstances
currentZ76

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms
  • Person feigning illness (with obvious motivation)
Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • factitious disorder (F68.1-, F68.A)
  • peregrinating patient (F68.1-)

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

General Physician

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 92083high
VISUAL FIELD EXAMINATION, UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT; EXTENDED EXAMINATION (EG, GOLDMANN VISUAL FIELDS WITH AT LEAST 3 ISOPTERS PLOTTED AND STATIC DETERMINATION WITHIN THE CENTRAL 30 DEG, OR QUANTITATIVE, AUTOMATED THRESHOLD PERIMETRY, OCTOPUS PROGRAM G-1, 32 OR 42, HUMPHREY VISUAL FIELD ANALYZER FULL THRESHOLD PROGRAMS 30-2, 24-2, OR 30/60-2)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92082high
VISUAL FIELD EXAMINATION, UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT; INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION (EG, AT LEAST 2 ISOPTERS ON GOLDMANN PERIMETER, OR SEMIQUANTITATIVE, AUTOMATED SUPRATHRESHOLD SCREENING PROGRAM, HUMPHREY SUPRATHRESHOLD AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSTIC TEST, OCTOPUS PROGRAM 33)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92081high
VISUAL FIELD EXAMINATION, UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT; LIMITED EXAMINATION (EG, TANGENT SCREEN, AUTOPLOT, ARC PERIMETER, OR SINGLE STIMULUS LEVEL AUTOMATED TEST, SUCH AS OCTOPUS 3 OR 7 EQUIVALENT)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92565high
STENGER TEST, PURE TONE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92577high
STENGER TEST, SPEECH
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
Z76.5

Common synonyms

Malingerer [conscious simulation]

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeZ76.5
SystemICD10
Display nameMalingerer [conscious simulation]
ChapterFactors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
BlockPersons encountering health services in other circumstances

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
BehaviorConscious simulation(of illness)Disorder(of)Feigned illnessMalingerer, malingeringPerson(with)Problem(with) (related to)Simulation, conscious(of illness)

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code Z76.5 for Malingerer [conscious simulation] | HealthAssure