Discussions about the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) often focus on coding and implementation, but the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says its implications extend much further into health reporting, data analytics and evidence-based decision-making.

AIHW, in collaboration with a range of other agencies, is leading efforts to develop a business case for a decision on implementing ICD-11 in Australia.

At the Health Information Management Conference 2026, in Sydney October 26-28, AIHW representatives will share insights from ongoing work supporting the Australian ICD-11 Task Force Roadmap. This work is helping to build the evidence base needed to inform future decisions about whether, and how, Australia may transition to ICD-11.

Currently, ICD-10 and its Australian Modification are used for mortality statistics, admitted care and emergency department reporting and activity-based funding.

Australia has not yet set an implementation date for ICD-11, but national planning work is underway to assess the requirements, impacts and timing of any future transition.

Filippa Pretty and Vicki Bennett from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare will present an analysis on the potential impact of ICD-11 on future health data reporting in Australia on Day One of the HIMAA conference on Monday October 26.

AIHW will also hold a follow-up workshop on Tuesday October 27 called ICD-11 in Practice: Preparing for the Next Generation of Coding.

As the agency leading development of the ICD-11 business case, the AIHW has been examining how the new classification could affect health reporting, data quality, interoperability and future analytical capability across the Australian healthcare system.

The ICD-11 business case is expected to be finalised in September 2026, making the HIMAA conference session a timely opportunity for delegates to hear how this work is progressing.

The National Health Information Management Conference 2026 (HIMAA26) is being promoted as Australia’s premier event for professionals working across health information management, digital health, data, governance and clinical transformation.

Standard registrations close 30 September 2026.