Clinical classifications

In order for the statistical analysis of medical conditions and treatments to be comparable and meaningful, the language used by clinicians for patient records has to be summarised by experts (clinical coders) using the appropriate classification system.

The two main clinical classifications currently used in HES are:

• ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) - which describes the conditions treated or investigated, eg fractured skull.
• OPCS-4 (Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys: Classification of Interventions and Procedures, 4th Revision) - which records details of any procedures or interventions performed, eg hip replacement.
• A&E; Clinical Codes (A&E; Diagnosis, A&E; Investigation and A&E; Treatment) - which describe any diagnosis made, investigations carried out or procedures undertaken during an A&E; attendance.

For further information on Clinical classifications please see the NHS Classification Service website.