The ninth revision of an international classification of diseases accepted and used throughout the world for the coding of mortality and morbidity statistics and the indexing of hospital records. Revisions in this ninth edition respond to the need in several countries to satisfy clinical requirements by structural changes in the classification as well as by providing increased specificity. Major innovations include the provision of optional fifth digits in certain places, introduction of an independent 4-digit coding system for the classification of histological varieties of neoplasm, a change in the role of the E code for external causes, and a proposed dual classification of certain diagnostic statements. The classification is presented in two volumes. The first, which constitutes the primary coding tool, presents the tabular list of inclusions and four-digit subcategories. The second volume provides an exhaustive index of terms organized in the form of lead terms and various levels of indication. The index has three sections. The first, concerned with the type of information that would be recorded by a physician, covers diseases, syndromes, pathological conditions, injuries, signs, symptoms, problems and other reasons for contact with health services. The second section provides an index of external causes of injury and refers to descriptions of the circumstances under which the violence occurred. The final section of the index covers drugs and other chemical substances giving rise to poisoning or other adverse effects, including effects associated with therapeutic use.

eng fre.

WHO monograph

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