DUGLess Reporting on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Historical Background:

Beginning July 1, 2016, through the process of administrative simplification, AHCCCS solicited stakeholder feedback in a variety of ways regarding provider reporting of Demographic and Outcome Data Set (commonly known as the DUG) data. After extensive research, numerous workgroups, and a thorough review of this critical stakeholder feedback, AHCCCS developed a plan to transition the collection of demographic data. The goal of the transition plan was to relieve administrative burden for providers reporting this data, to ensure that the historical burdensome process was not duplicated with the implementation of the AHCCCS Complete Care (ACC) Program in 2018, and to provide a process and platform for an expanded group of providers to contribute this data.


AHCCCS’ transition plan consisted of a three-pronged approach to collecting members’ demographic data.

  1. Use of Alternative Data Sources
  2. Use of ICD-10 Social Determinants of Health Z and G Codes
  3. Implementation of the DUGLess Demographic Portal

What Are Social Determinants of Health?

Social Determinants of Health are non-medical factors in a member’s life that have a direct impact on their health outcomes. They include factors like, but are not limited to:

  • Homelessness and housing instability
  • Food insecurity
  • Needs for transportation assistance
  • Employment support needs
  • Needs for utility assistance
  • Interpersonal safety
  • Environmental safety
  • Social isolation and the need for social support
  • Support related to justice or legal involvement
  • Education and childhood development needs

Why This Data is Important

Member data on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), also referred to as Health Related Social Needs (HRSN), Demographics and Outcomes is critical to the AHCCCS program for required reporting, member care management, utilization of services and resources, understanding of member needs, support for potential expansion of future Medicaid funding authorities, as well as many other aspects of the program.

Use of Alternative Data Sources

AHCCCS, with the assistance of stakeholders, will continue to identify demographic elements that currently exist in other AHCCCS data systems, and/or available through other data source agreements.

Use of Social Determinants of Health Z and G Codes

In 2018, AHCCCS began to require provider use of Social Determinants of Health Z and G codes on applicable claims. These ICD-10 codes are a valuable source of information on critical factors that impact our members’ health. Providers are expected to routinely screen, document, and refer members for Social Determinants of Health services. Any identified SDOH Z and G codes should be provided on claims for AHCCCS members in order to comply with AHCCCS billing requirements.

Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Identification/Removal

As of July 2025, providers can submit the identification or removal of identification of members with a Serious Emational Disturbance (SED), through the Single Record option in the DUGLess portal. This will allow providers to submit data for youth who have been evaluated for SED. Additionally, this information will help identify service needs, monitor access to care, and support coordination across behavioral health systems. See section V. of the DUGLess Guide for more information. For more information, please refer to the AHCCCS Integrated System of Care website.

The DUGLess - Demographic Portal

For SDOH/demographic/outcome elements with no identified alternative data source or SDOH identifier, AHCCCS created an online portal (DUGLess) accessed directly by providers for the collection of applicable identified data elements for members. It is AHCCCS’ intent that the provider organizations that historically provided data for the DUG, as well as providers who might typically document or provide this type of data will provide the required data via the DUGLess portal. Please review the guide below for more details.

DUGLess Portal Details

Social Determinants of Heath and Whole Person Care

For more information on AHCCCS’ focus on Social Determinants of Health, please visit the AHCCCS Whole Person Care Initiative website.