Classification for Cause of Death in Patient Receiving Medical Care

Cause of Death

Features

Class

totally explained by underlying disease

medical intervention played no part in the patient's death

I

predominantly due to underlying disease

medical intervention contributed to death but was not the primary cause

II

due to combination of underlying disease and medical care

both the underlying disease and medical care contributed in a major way to the patient's death

III

predominantly due to medical care/procedure

underlying disease contributed to death but medical intervention was the predominant cause

IV

totally explained by medical care/procedure

medical intervention was the sole cause of death

V

Underlying Cause

Medical Care

Class

sole cause

none or minimal

I

major cause

minor cause

II

major cause

major cause

III

minor cause

major cause

IV

none or minimal

sole cause

V