Dr. Andrew Wiesenthal* recommends that we take a hard look at the ICD-10 coding system and consider moving consider moving towards Convergent Medical Terminology (CMT).

CMT is mapped to the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine–Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT©).  It is more transferable or sharable than the ICD alternative and it is an internationally-accepted standard vocabulary and classification system.  Most importantly, it supports clinical decision-making and 'measurement and management' techniques because it is hierarchical (rather than simply an ICD-like list).  Wiesenthal says it "alot closer to doctor- and nurse-speak," [For instance,] "If you want to identify a diabetic person with kidney disease, there is a unique naming in Snomed for diabetic neuropathy. It's in the diabetes and the kidney hierarchy."

Dr. Andrew Wiesenthal* recommends that we take a hard look at the ICD-10 coding system and consider moving consider moving towards Convergent Medical Terminology (CMT).

* Dr. Wiesenthal directs the Deloitte Consulting firm's healthcare practice and previously, he had been the Assoc. Executive Director for Information Support, the Permanente Federation.

References
ICD-10 delay prompts talk of alternatives - IT Everything, the healthcare IT blog by Modern Healthcare's Joe Conn

For more information, see "Kaiser Permanente's Convergent Medical Terminology" [pdf] frp http://urlpulse.co/www.parkstreetsolutions.com [failed access 4/3/13]