Z87.891 – Personal history of nicotine dependence

The ICD-10-CM code Z87.891 signifies a history of nicotine dependence. This guide covers clinical details, billability, FAQs, and related codes.

By Patricia Buenaventura on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

Z87.891 diagnosis code: Personal history of nicotine dependence

The Z87.891 is an ICD code that's included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM, for short), and it is used to designate “Personal history of nicotine dependence.” It is under the section "Factors influencing health status and contact with health services", specifically classified under "Personal history of other diseases and conditions".

This particular diagnosis code is one of the many codes designated as "Unacceptable Principal Diagnoses." The reason for this is that this code doesn't exactly point to a specific problem. It's simply to say that a patient has a history of nicotine dependence. If the patient is dealing with a more specific problem, it's best to use that code instead because it points to an actual problem.

Is the Z87.891 billable?

Yes, the Z87.891 ICD-10 code is billable and can be used to designate a patient for reimbursement purposes.

Clinical information

Let's expand on this ICD-10 code a bit because you might find it strange that such a diagnosis code exists when it's not even acceptable as a principal diagnosis.

There are other ICD-10 codes for nicotine dependence, all under the F17 umbrella. Those are specific for diagnosing nicotine dependence, which is an actual problem.

So, what's the use of "Personal history of nicotine dependence"? This ICD-10 code is only used when healthcare providers have surmised that a patient's past nicotine dependence has impacted them by contributing to whatever complication, disease like pulmonary edema, or chronic disease, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they are currently dealing with, but the problem hasn't been identified.

Given that, it should be used as a descriptor so other healthcare professionals and providers know that their history of nicotine dependence plays a role in what the patient is dealing with. Once the specific problem has been identified after an immediate follow-up examination or additional tests, they should use an additional code, a more specific diagnosis code.

Synonyms include

Ex-cigar smoker
Ex-cigarette smoker
Ex-cigarette smoker amount unknown
Ex-heavy cigarette smoker
Ex-light cigarette smoker
Ex-moderate cigarette smoker
Ex-pipe smoker
Ex-smoker
Ex-smoker for less than 1 year
Ex-smoker for more than 1 year
Ex-snuff user
Ex-tobacco chewer
Ex-tobacco user
Ex-user of moist powdered tobacco
Ex-very heavy cigarette smoker
History of tobacco dependence
History of tobacco use

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for nicotine dependence

F17.2: Nicotine dependence
F17.20: Nicotine dependence, unspecified
F17.200: Nicotine dependence, unspecified, uncomplicated
F17.201: Nicotine dependence, unspecified, in remission
F17.203: Nicotine dependence unspecified, with withdrawal
F17.208: Nicotine dependence, unspecified, with other nicotine-induced disorders
F17.209: Nicotine dependence, unspecified, with unspecified nicotine-induced disorders
F17.219: Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with unspecified nicotine-induced disorders
F17.229: Nicotine dependence, chewing tobacco, with unspecified nicotine-induced disorders
F17.299: Nicotine dependence, other tobacco product, with unspecified nicotine-induced disorders

Commonly asked questions

Yes, this ICD-10 code is billable.

You use it when you have confirmed that a patient’s past history of nicotine dependence is impacting the patient’s current condition.

That will depend on the specific condition the patient is dealing with. Since nicotine dependence (past or present) is involved, making the change to avoid smoking might help.

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