ICD-11: What you need to know

On June 18, 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) released an advance preview of version 11 of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) so countries can review the updates and start planning how to implement the new version when it goes into effect.

Why is ICD being updated again?

Historically, ICD has been updated roughly every 10 years. Since ICD is implemented internationally, countries may seek to develop adapted versions of the codes, to make them more detailed and to make the code set feasible for implementation within their health systems. The AASM continues to collaborate with WHO staff to encourage alignment of ICD-11 with the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3).

The Department of Health and Human Services will determine a U.S. implementation date for ICD-11 once the code set is finalized by the WHO and presented to the World Health Assembly for endorsement.

New Features

• The disease classification system has been updated so it is consistent with current science and medicine.
• ICD-11 is fully electronic, allowing for integration with electronic data sources.
• The development process for ICD-11 has been more collaborative as external stakeholders have had opportunities to provide input and recommendations on the code set.

In the Meantime

1. Look out for updates and announcements regarding finalization and implementation of ICD-11 from the following organizations:
   • American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
   • American Medical Association (AMA)
   • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
2. Review the newly released version of ICD-11 and provide feedback to AASM staff at coding@aasm.org. AASM staff will share this member feedback in our communication with WHO staff.
3. AASM will develop resources to assist members with future implementation of ICD-11.