International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
Overview
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a globally recognized health care classification system. It is maintained and published by the World Health Organization (WHO), with the aim of providing a standardized language for reporting and monitoring diseases. This ensures that health conditions are categorized in a consistent and reliable manner across different health care providers and nations. The ICD is used by physicians, nurses, other providers, researchers, health information managers and coders, health information technology workers, policy-makers, insurers and patient organizations to classify diseases and other health problems recorded on many types of health and vital records, including death certificates and health records.
History
The ICD has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The initial version, known as the International List of Causes of Death, was adopted by the International Statistical Institute in 1893. The WHO took over the responsibility of the ICD at its creation in 1948 when it became a global health standard. The ICD has been revised and updated multiple times since its inception, with each revision reflecting advances in health and medical science over time.
Structure
The ICD is structured into two parts: the tabular list and the alphabetical index. The tabular list contains categories of diseases and other health-related issues, while the alphabetical index includes all the terms listed in the tabular list and their corresponding codes. The ICD uses a hierarchical structure for classification, which allows for detailed coding of diseases, health-related conditions, and external causes of disease and injury.
Versions
There have been several versions of the ICD, each with its own unique features and improvements. The most recent version, ICD-11, was released in June 2018. It is designed to be used in multiple contexts and can be utilized for recording conditions in health records, epidemiological analysis, health care management, clinical practice, and research. It includes significant changes from its predecessor, ICD-10, such as a completely electronic interface and a more detailed classification system.
Usage
The ICD is used worldwide for morbidity and mortality statistics, reimbursement systems, and automated decision support in health care. This system is designed to promote international comparability in the collection, processing, classification, and presentation of these statistics. The ICD is a core classification of the WHO Family of International Classifications.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like any system of this magnitude, the ICD has been subject to criticism. Some argue that the categories do not always reflect current medical knowledge. Others claim that the system is too complex and difficult to use. Despite these criticisms, the ICD remains the most widely accepted system for classifying and coding health information.
Future Developments
The WHO is continually working on updates and revisions to the ICD to ensure it remains a relevant and effective tool for global health information. Future developments may include more detailed codes for new diseases and health conditions, as well as improvements to the electronic interface and coding tools.