International Classification of Diseases – Dermatology

At the 23rd World Congress of Dermatology, A/Prof Pablo Fernandez-Peñas gave a lecture in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) workshop.
A small group of Dermatologists are developing or helping to develop the Dermatology chapter of the new version (11) of the ICD (The Dermatology Topic Advisory Group (TAG)). This WHO project is supported by the ILDS, and it is critical to position Dermatology among other medical specialties.
Pablo’s key presentation points were:
– ICD11 is based in entities with parents and children [eg, psoriasis (parent), guttate psoriasis (child)]
– Each ICD entity has multiple extensions (multidimensionality). Selecting an extension will allow the selection of a specific groups of entities (linearization), e.g. for use in primary care, aetiology, etc
– One of the linearizations will be the Dermatology Specialty Classification (Classificaton property)
– The Dermatology Specialty Classification has entities in the Skin Diseases chapter and entities cross- referenced from other chapters (e.g. infections, neoplasms)
– Although a lot of work has been done, there are a number of issues in the ICD11 beta version (chapters unfinished, some TAGs have not developed their sections, infections and neoplasias moved from the Skin Diseases chaper)
– All dermatologists have a role in improving ICD11 by reviewing the beta version, making comments, improving definitions, taging entities that need to be in the Dermatology linearization, and testing the classification in their clinical activities.
Go to ICD-11 Beta Draft and help in this important endeavour by commenting online or contacting the Dermatology TAG.