Implementation of International Classification of Diseases 10: Preparedness for E-medical records and health reporting

Context: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10) define the universe of diseases that exist, and classify them according to specified criteria. World Health Organization (WHO) has mandated ICD 10 for health reporting by its member states. In India, few of the hospitals in the state are following the standard coding and reporting system. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), India, have notified the electronic medical records standards to be followed by health care providers in August, 2013 and recommended ICD 10 as reporting standard for both mortality and morbidity. The current study was carried out to promote standard reporting practices and implementation of ICD 10 coding system as per WHO/MOHFW reporting norms in a 150 bedded mission hospital in Udupi District of Karnataka State and successfully implemented with VI phase project. The phases included awareness and knowledge interviews, orientation, training, implementation, and testing. Although the standards and notification have been put up in government MOHFW web pages, it is suggested that the authorized bodies to mandate standard reporting of disease by all types of healthcare providers and upgrading/training programs to be extended to private healthcare sectors as well