The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted proposed changes to regulations reflecting transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 to the online forum where members of the public may review and comment on the proposals.

Work on ICD-10 began in 1983 and was completed in 1992. ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a medical classification list by the World Health Organization (WHO). ICD-10 is already in use in about 25 countries. The United States continues to use ICD-9, the prior edition of ICD. The new code set allows more than 14,400 different codes and permits the tracking of many new diagnoses. The codes can be expanded to over 16,000 codes by using optional sub-classifications. The detail reported by ICD can be further increased, with a simplified multi-axial approach, by using codes meant to be reported in a separate data field.

The deadline for the United States to begin using Clinical Modification ICD-10-CM for diagnosis coding and Procedure Coding System ICD-10-PCS for inpatient hospital procedure coding is currently October 1, 2014. The deadline was previously October 1, 2013. In preparation for this deadline, it is necessary for the DWC to update regulations and forms to refer to ICD-10, rather than ICD-9. Affected regulations are 8 C.C.R. §§ 9702(e), 9770(g) and 9789.16.2(a).

Affected forms are DLSR 5021 (Doctor’s First Report of Injury), PR-2 (Primary Treating Physician’s Progress Report), PR-3 and PR-4 (Primary Treating Physician’s Permanent and Stationary Reports).

The forum can be found online on the DWC forums web page under “current forums.” Comments will be accepted on the forum until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2014/