Development an internationally aligned casemix system based on WHO Family of International Classifications

Robert Jakob ^a, Eva Krpelanova ^a, Martti Virtanen ^b, Kristiina Kahur ^b

Introduction
Member states have requested WHO to provide a patient classification system for healthcare economic follow-up and reimbursement. This request initiated efforts to develop such a tool. The NordDRG proprietors have agreed with WHO to enable the use and distribution of the NordDRG-based casemix system and tools utilizing WHO classifications.

This abstract outlines the progress and upcoming steps in integrating the NordDRG system with International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision (ICD-11) and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), in collaboration with WHO and other stakeholders.

Methods
Key milestones for developing WHO casemix tool include WHO's initial engagement in 2020 to explore this integration followed by a signed collaborative agreement in 2022. The requirements were that the WHO casemix tool should be based on the WHO classifications ICD-11 and ICHI, all components should be global goods, the tool needs to be adjustable for needs in different member states, and the grouper and maintenance tooling should be available. Soon after signing the contract the mapping of ICHI, NCSP+, ICD-11, and ICD-10+ started.

Results
By September 2024, mapping between ICHI, NCSP+, ICD-11, and ICD-10+ was completed. In October 2024, a WHO-specific version based on NordDRG was developed using NCSP+ and ICD-10+ as backbone classifications, with further testing and validation in progress.

Conclusions
Future actions include delivering NordDRG tools and WHO definition tables, conducting large-scale testing with interested member states, and ultimately transitioning backbone classifications from ICD-10+ to ICD-11 and NCSP+ to ICHI.

This structured approach ensures a smooth transition towards an internationally aligned casemix system, supporting global healthcare classification and reimbursement frameworks.


^a WHO HQ, Switzerland
^b Nordic Casemix Centre, Finland

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