Unlike ICD, the arrangement of chapters in ICPC is based on organ systems. Consequently localization is prioritized over ethiology. This facilitates the unambiguous registration of health problems.

Yet ICPC-2 is carefully linked to ICD-10, using mapping charts that will allow both systems to work hand in hand.

If you hear hoofbeats... - think horses, not zebras

ICPC-2 only contains diagnoses with a prevelancy greater than 1. In this way, approximately 300 diagnoses and 100 symptoms are being classified. - Only items that are occasionally or regularly encountered in a primary care setting are represented.