What is the primary purpose of ICD books in medical coding?

The primary purpose of ICD books, which stands for International Classification of Diseases, is to classify diagnoses. These books provide a standardized system for coding and categorizing diseases, health-related conditions, and other medical concepts. By using ICD codes, healthcare providers can communicate consistent information about patients' diagnoses across various settings. This classification helps in tracking health statistics, guiding reimbursement processes, and supporting clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient care and health management.

While documenting patient demographics, recording procedures, and managing billing information are essential parts of medical records and the healthcare process, they do not represent the central function of ICD books, which is meticulously focused on the classification of diagnoses.