Comparing ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 classification systems in a primary health care setting: some initial observations

The ICD-10 is due to be introduced into Australia during the late 1990s, superseding the current and widely used ICD-9-CM. Improvements in areas such as number of codes, an expanded external cause framework, and more context to injuries are expected to make the ICD-10 a more streamlined system for practitioners. The present study examined both classification formats using data from 1183 presentations to primary health clinics at island tourist resorts. Some initial observations are made about differences in the two systems, highlighting the greater coding detail provided by the ICD-10, particularly in the area of injuries. It is recommended that further empirical testing be undertaken using the ICD-10 in a variety of settings so as to identify benefits in the coding of both medical conditions and injuries.