What manual is currently used to code causes of death on death certificates in the United States?

The current manual used to code causes of death on death certificates in the United States is the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, often referred to as ICD-10. This coding system provides standardized codes for health conditions and diseases, which enables consistent data collection and can enhance public health surveillance.

ICD-10 offers more detailed and specific codes compared to earlier versions like ICD-9 and ICD-9-CM, making it a more appropriate choice for capturing a comprehensive range of health data. The transition to ICD-10 allows for better tracking of health trends and improves the accuracy of mortality statistics, which are essential for healthcare planning and assessment of health programs.

The ICD-O-3, on the other hand, is specifically designed for cancer classification and is not used for coding causes of death on death certificates. It serves a different purpose in the field of oncology compared to the ICD systems.