International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) - A Summary

There are two clinical/diagnostic classification schemes available in the patient software management systems currently being used in Irish general practice: the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Until the mid-70s, the ICD was used to collect the majority of primary care morbidity research data, however, concerns with the suitability of ICD prompted the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) to develop a system specifically for use in primary care. ICPC-2 has become increasingly recognised as suitable for a general/family practice setting and has achieved recognition from the WHO Family of International Classifications.