International Classification of Disease ICD-9

A three digit “N” code used to indicate the pathological nature of an injury.  The ninth revision of this classification (ICD-9) has been in use for several years.  Unfortunately, the term “brain injury” does not appear as a category.  There are ten rubrics which cover most brain/head injuries.  The ICD is less useful than desired because rubrics are not mutually-exclusive.  Differences occur in coding from one institution to another.  A new version, ICD-10, is under preparation.