November 17, 2020

Specific ICD-10 Codes for Dravet Ultimately Could Improve Patient Outcomes

Article, originally published by Dravet Syndrome News

Dravet syndrome now has its own global health statistics codes — known as “ICD-10” codes — that potentially could result in improved patient outcomes and enhanced clinical and scientific knowledge of the genetic disorder.

The National Center for Health Statistics has designated what are known as International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) codes specifically for Dravet. Before, the disease was lumped in with a broad group of epileptic conditions with different causes and treatment strategies, under the code G40.8.

The dedicated Dravet syndrome codes, which took effect Oct. 1, are expected to make it easier for those in the field to conduct research, determine prevalence and morbidity and mortality rates, and recruit patients for clinical trials. The codes also will help researchers and clinicians to track treatment outcomes and develop protocols for a standard of care.

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