Clues in Cause of Death Codes

 

Death certificates are a veritable treasure trove of information. From birth and death dates, last known addresses and the often elusive name and place of birth of parents are typically included. You're also likely to find the person's occupations, marital status and potentially names of spouses. The medical section can give clues to any ongoing health concerns as well as the primary and contributory causes of their death. The informant is quite often another family member, and sometimes the funeral home and location of the cemetery may be noted.  

I do want to caution information provided may not be 100% correct. These facts were most likely provided to the coroner by the informant, and there is a possibility of error. But none the less, the information may be a good jumping off point for further research. What I find extremely useful is the cause of death code.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a standardized system for coding cause of death. It originated in 1893 and provided a more standardized way of of classifying the cause. It's used around the world and has been updated close to a dozen times over the past 130 years, now including specialized lists for Oncology and Miscellaneous causes such as Industrial Accidents.

These codes can help provide additional clues to family members who are no longer with us. The primary medical cause of death  and any contributing factors can often be challenging to decipher. We all know doctors don't always have the best handwriting! It can be frustrating to decode them, especially since some diseases have been renamed (or deprecated) over the years and may be unfamiliar. Generally, when codes are included, they're pretty easy to read. The only question is "what do they mean?"

Wolfbane.com International Classification of Diseases contains indexes of all the causes of death used since the 1893. Once you select the appropriate index year, the codes are listed in numerical order for simplicity.  The numbering does not necessary stay the same year to year, and referring to the incorrect year may not provide accurate information. Be sure to double check the year of death before referring to the ICD.

In the example above, the main cause of death for Willis Edward Berendes, who died before the age of 2, is listed as dysentery and the contributing factor as acute nephritis. This certificate is from 1920 and refers to ICD code 16c - other or unspecified dysentery. While this certificate wasn't terribly difficult to read, some can be like readying hieroglyphics. The ICD code is often the only way to decipher the cause of death. It makes me wonder what contributed to the diagnosis in this case? Unsafe water? Illness from improper cooking or contaminated food? Or was it a viral/bacterial infection sweeping through the area?

Take time to look at the cause of death codes when you find a death certificate. It only takes a few moments to confirm what the code means, and it may open up some clues you might not find elsewhere. I personally add a Cause of Death fact if I have one. It reminds me to  take a moment and reflect on what the person, or their family, may have been dealing with when the person passed on.