AUTISM DIAGNOSIS
What is the ICD Code for Autism?
EXPLORE THE ICD CODE AND FIND OUT HOW IT IS USED FOR, AND IMPACTS, AUTISM DIAGNOSIS.
By Claire DELANO, BA
When you have a child or children with autism, you probably spend more time with doctors and therapists than most other families. First, there’s the search for a diagnosis, then there are potential treatments, not to mention the other conditions—such as ADHD or gastrointestinal issues—sometimes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
All this means you’ve almost certainly come into contact with the ICD-10-CM. What does this string of letters and numbers mean, and how does it connect to autism? In this article, we’ll explore the ICD and how it impacts autism diagnosis.
What is the ICD-10-CM index?
The ICD-10-CM index is a version of the International Classification of Diseases, a tool created by the World Health Organization. It’s essentially a list of diseases, disorders, and other health conditions, all of which are categorized and labeled with a code made up of letters and numbers.
The ICD got its start as the International Statistical Institute’s International List of Causes of Death in 1893. Eventually, the World Health Organization took over its maintenance, and it was expanded to include all conditions, not just fatal ones. Every country that is a member of WHO must use the ICD to compile national death and disease statistics.