World Health Organization (WHO) ICD-10 Revision

The World Health Organization (WHO) produces international classification systems for health that provide a consensual common language for governments, providers and consumers. These systems are used to facilitate the compilation of nationally consistent health data, to conduct research on health, and to form the basis of diagnostic categorization for providers and consumers. These systems include the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF), and the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). In 2009, WHO began to revise the International Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). The finalized ICD-11 is expected by 2015.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the global standard for reporting and categorizing diseases, health-related conditions, and external causes of disease and injury. In addition to clinical diagnosis, the classification is also used in the development of health programs, prevention, reimbursement, and treatment. Individual countries use the ICD to compile basic health statistics and to monitor spending, while researchers and practitioners use it to compare health status across countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) mandates publication of the ICD and heads each revision process. For more information about the ICD, please visit the WHO website.

The 10th version of the ICD came into use for WHO Member States in 1995. Since this time, global health has seen many changes in the landscape of global disease, scientific developments, service delivery advancements, and health information systems. WHO has organized a revision process to improve clinical utility and to make the ICD compatible with new health information system technology. The revision process is coordinated by a number of Topic Advisory Groups (TAGs) selected by WHO, and the finalized ICD-11 is expected by 2015. A more practice oriented ICD-10-CM will be implemented in the U.S. by 2013.

The ICD-10 revision is guided by the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse with input from the Topic Advisory Group for Mental Health and associated workgroups. In support of this endeavor, APA is providing a grant to the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS, the representation for psychology within the WHO) to support a psychologist in the role of Senior Program Officer for the revision process.