Common certification issues
Latest release
Cause of death certification guide
Reference period
Australia
Released
2/10/2024
First release
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