ICD-11 Coding Guidelines for US Clinicians in 2025

The 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) marks a major shift in how health data is managed worldwide. It’s not just an upgrade from ICD-10—it offers better accuracy, easier data sharing, and more useful features. Built to work well in today’s digital world, ICD-11 helps improve patient care, supports new ideas in healthcare, and helps make better use of resources.

What is WHO’s ICD-11 Coding?

ICD-11 is the newest version of the International Classification of Diseases created by the World Health Organization (WHO). It continues over 100 years of work in organizing and standardizing health data. This version is digital-first and works smoothly with today’s healthcare systems. Adopted in 2019 and in effect since January 2022, ICD-11 plays a central role in improving healthcare systems.

The Framework and Scope of ICD-11

Global Use Requirement: Made official under WHO rules.

Language Support: Available in 10 languages, with translations in progress for 25 more.

Data Sharing Support: Makes it easier to share and reuse data between systems and countries.

Updated Medical Knowledge: Adds new scientific updates, including traditional medicine.

Digital-Ready System: Built-in tools and APIs for both online and offline use.

Why ICD-11 is Important

1. Better Accuracy and Diagnosis Tools

ICD-11 includes over 200 new codes for allergens, better ways to categorize rare illnesses, and more detailed clinical entries. These additions help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and understand complex health issues more clearly.

2. Helping Healthcare Keep Up with Technology

ICD-11 serves as a base for using tools like artificial intelligence and data analysis. These tools help doctors and health planners use data for forecasting, customized treatment, and efficient use of resources.

3. Improved Data Sharing Across Borders

ICD-11 is designed to work easily with digital systems. This helps health systems in different countries work together and compare data. It also helps global health projects and supports medical research worldwide.

Switching from ICD-10 to ICD-11: A Step Forward

Moving from ICD-10 to ICD-11 is a big task, and WHO is helping through:

·       Digital Mapping Support: Links between ICD-10 and ICD-11 help move data without losing information.

·       Test Projects: Countries are trying out ICD-11 in real settings to adapt it to their systems.

·       Training Tools: New APIs and versions of the DORIS tool help in selecting and reporting causes of death.

Advantages for Health Officials, Providers, and Scientists

1. Better Policy Decisions

ICD-11 gives policymakers a clear structure to align local and global healthcare plans. With better data, governments can make smarter decisions about spending, prevention programs, and managing healthcare costs.

2. Stronger Support for Medical Research

ICD-11 supports large-scale studies by offering standardized data. Its links with systems like MedDRA, Orphanet, and LOINC help researchers study rare conditions, drug safety, and lab tests.

3. Smoother Clinical Work

Doctors benefit from more accurate coding and easier data sharing. The improved system helps with quicker record-keeping, better workflow, and improved care delivery.

ICD-11 and the Shift Toward Digital Health

ICD-11 is built to connect with today’s digital health tools, making use of the latest tech for better results:

·       API Integrations: Allows smooth setup in EHR systems and health data networks.

·       Worldwide Compatibility: Works with terms like MONDO Disease Ontology and SNOMED CT to ensure system-wide connection.

·       AI-Enabled Use: Helps with decision-making tools, forecasting, and tailored treatments.

Implementation Status as of 2024

Since its rollout, ICD-11 is now being used in 132 countries:

·       72 Countries: Working on translation and system setup.

·       50 Countries: Testing and growing their use of ICD-11.

·       14 Countries: Actively using ICD-11 to collect and report health data.

It’s already translated into 10 languages, and more translations are being done to reach wider audiences.

What’s New in ICD-11 (2024 Update)

1. New Codes for Conditions

More than 200 new entries for allergens.

Improved sorting of rare conditions.

2. Terminology Integration

Detailed links to MedDRA for drug-related info.

Inclusion of Orphanet terms for rare diseases.

3. New Digital Tools

Upgraded APIs for better system connection.

Enhanced DORIS tool for better reporting of death causes.

ICD-11’s Contribution to Global Health Efforts

ICD-11 continues the role of previous versions in helping worldwide health systems by:

·       Unified Health Reporting for Mortality and Morbidity: Supports clear tracking of death and illness across countries and years.

·       Public Health Planning: Aids in disease monitoring and managing outbreaks.

·       Efficient Use of Resources: Helps countries make better plans using accurate health data.

Final Thoughts: ICD-11 is Ready to Serve

ICD-11 is not just an update—it brings a full-scale upgrade to how health data is recorded and used. With its digital tools and updated systems, it helps healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers work more efficiently, save money, and improve outcomes. As more countries start using ICD-11, it’s expected to play a bigger role in shaping better health services for the future.

Search ICD-11 Codes

You can access the ICD-11 Browser Tool at: https://icd10cmtool.cdc.gov/ICD-10-CM-Web-Help.pdf

Features of the browser tool include:

·       Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines and Preface

·       ICD-10-CM Browser Tool Instructions

·       ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Illnesses and Conditions

·       ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index of Diseases and Conditions

·       ICD-10-CM External Causes Index

·       ICD-10-CM Neoplasm Table

·       ICD-10-CM Drug and Chemical Table

More Resources

·       ICD-10-PCS: Get the procedure coding system from CMS

·       ICD-9-CM: Learn about the older version of the ICD system

·       ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Updates: Access tools and resources on recent changes

·       Death and Injury Codes from Terrorism: Visit CDC Archives to see how codes were added after the 9/11 attacks

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