[ICD and OPS. Historical development and current situation]

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Services Research
• Public Health

Context:

• The evolution of medical classification systems is critical for standardized health data collection and analysis.
• International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) has a long history, evolving significantly since 1948.
• Germany implemented mandatory diagnosis coding with ICD-8 in 1968, expanding to all cases with ICD-10 in 2000.

Purpose:

• To provide a historical overview of medical classification systems.
• To detail the development, content, and application of ICD-10-GM and OPS in Germany.
• To highlight the role of these classifications in healthcare reimbursement and statistical reporting.

Summary:

• The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), developed by the WHO, is a key international standard for morbidity and mortality classification.
• Germany utilizes ICD-10-GM for diagnoses and OPS for procedures, with both undergoing yearly revisions since 2004.
• ICPM served as a precursor for national procedure classifications like the German OPS.

Impact:

• These classifications are essential for the German G-DRG system for inpatient reimbursement.
• Mandatory coding of diagnoses and procedures ensures accurate data for outpatient treatment and reimbursement.
• Standardized medical coding facilitates consistent health data analysis and policy-making.