What are ICD-10 diagnostic codes?

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision, or ICD-10, is a set of medical diagnostic codes based on World Health Organization classifications, including signs, symptoms, diseases, injuries and their external causes, states the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. ICD-10 takes effect Oct. 1, 2015.

ICD-10 replaces ICD-9, adds in excess of 14,400 different codes, and tracks numerous new diagnoses. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services developed a new code set, ICD-10-Procedure Coding System, or ICD-10-PCS, to use beginning Oct. 1, 2015, explains the Centers' website. The National Center for Health Statistics developed the ICD-10-Clinical Modification version, or ICD-10-CM, to use nationally. The code sets substantially change health plan reimbursement methods and improve reporting of public health information, research, health care management and quality measurement.