Final answer:
An ICD code is a unique identifying number used in the healthcare industry to represent a healthcare professional. It is used in various locations such as medical laboratories and vital-records keepers.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ICD code (International Classification of Diseases) is a unique identifying number used in the healthcare industry to represent a particular healthcare professional. It is used in various locations such as medical laboratories, health-care management systems, medical coders, medical billers, vital-records keepers, and epidemiologists.
For example, medical laboratories use ICD codes to identify tests that need to be performed for a specific diagnosis, while medical coders assign ICD codes for procedures performed. Additionally, vital-records keepers use ICD codes to record cause of death on death certificates, and epidemiologists use ICD codes to calculate morbidity and mortality statistics.