Common certification issues

The role of the ABS is to produce statistical outputs by applying ICD-10 codes to the conditions recorded on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The ABS utilises ICD-10 coding rules to assign an underlying cause of death. The following sections outline common issues with death certification which can make application of ICD-10 codes and coding rules difficult including: 

• Cancer and neoplasms
• Dementia
• Infectious diseases 
• Acute respiratory infections including COVID-19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial virus
• External causes 
• Fractures
• Skin conditions 
• Rare conditions 
• Pulmonary embolism
• Renal failure