ICD-10 is the tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, a coding system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983 for documenting diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures. This comprehensive system allows healthcare providers and administrators worldwide to classify and code all aspects of medical diagnoses and treatments in a standardized format.
In the US, ICD-10 is used extensively in the healthcare system for coding and classifying diagnoses and inpatient procedures. Its adoption in October 2015 marked a significant transition from ICD-9, enhancing the ability to capture more detailed and accurate health information.
ICD-10’s is complementary to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes is complementary. While ICD-10 codes identify the diagnosis and the reason for the care, CPT codes, developed by the American Medical Association, describe the medical services and procedures performed by healthcare providers.
The ICD-10 system enables precise and uniform recording of medical conditions and services, facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers globally. It supports the management of health care services by aiding in the analysis of disease patterns and treatment outcomes, which helps in healthcare planning, resource allocation, and research.