Improving Primary Health Care Data With ICPC-3: From a Medical to a Person-Centered Perspective

Abstract

The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) developed the third edition of the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-3) to support the shift from a medical perspective to a person-centered perspective in primary health care. The previous editions (ICPC-1 and ICPC-2) allowed description of 3 important elements of health care encounters: the reason for the encounter, the diagnosis and/or health problem, and the process of care. The ICPC-3 adds function-related information as a fourth element, thereby capturing most parts of the encounter in a single practical and concise classification. ICPC-3 thus has the potential to give more insight on patients' activities and functioning, supporting physicians in shifting from a strict medical/disease-based approach to care to a more person-centered approach. The ICPC-3 is also expanded with a new chapter for visits pertaining to immunizations and for coding of special screening examinations and public health promotion; in addition, it contains classes for programs related to reported conditions (eg, a cardiovascular program, a heart failure program) and can accommodate relevant national or regional classes. Classes are selected based on what is truly and frequently occurring in daily practice. Each class has its own codes. Less frequently used concepts pertaining to morbidity are captured as inclusions within the main classes. Implementation of the ICPC-3 in an electronic health record allows provision of meaningful feedback to primary care, and supports the exchange of information within teams and between primary and secondary care. It also gives policy makers and funders insight into what is happening in primary care and thus has the potential to improve provision of care.

Leaving the Walkman and ICD-9 Behind: Modernizing the Disease Classification System Used by Canadian Physicians

“…Adopting consistent, standardized terminology and coding for EMRs could improve data quality, interoperability, provider communication, clinical decision making and the validity of findings from research and surveillance. Given the recent releases of ICD-11 and ICPC-3 ( Ten Napel et al 2022 ), we have an ideal opportunity to prepare for a transition to physician billing requirements in Canada. The 1970s' era of medicine is as out of date as portable cassette tape players – it is time for our national disease classification system to reflect a modern understanding of health, diseases and patient care.…”

The burden of persistent symptom diagnoses in primary care patients: a cross-sectional study

“…An EoC includes (1) the reason for encounter (RFE = the literal expression of the reason(s) why a person enters the consultation room) [ 20 ], (2) the diagnoses, (3) the interventions (diagnostic interventions, treatment, and referrals), and (4) all encounters within this EoC [ 19 ]. The RFE, diagnoses and interventions are coded following the 2 nd edition of the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) [ 21 ].…”

Patients’ Characteristics and General Practitioners’ Management of Patients with Symptom Diagnoses

“…25 This registration allows the GPs to review the evolution of the EoC. 28 However, only 1 diagnosis could be attributed to 1 EoC at 1 specific point of time. The EoC interventions includes prescriptions for medication (treatment).…”

“…Indeed, ICD has been designed to promote international comparability in the collection, processing, classification, and presentation of mortality statistics. 28 However, ICD lacks codes for several symptoms and nondisease conditions encountered in primary care. 28 ICPC-2 provides an extensive list of specific codes for a wide range of symptoms presented by patients in general practice.…”