Classification and coding of psychosocial problems in family medicine

Disease and problem classification systems for primary care have recognized that psychosocial problems are integrally related to more traditional medical problems which patients present to physicians. These classification systems remain inadequate for the description of primary care problems, especially as several disciplines interrelate in primary care, such as medicine, nursing, and social work. This paper presents a classification and coding system of psychosocial problems gleaned from a number of existing coding systems. The purpose of presenting it here is to contribute to a dialogue which will result in the establishment of a common psychosocial language for all health professionals. By so doing, progress in research, education, patient care, and administration in the psychosocial area will be facilitated.