NHTTAC, in partnership with OTIP, HEAL Trafficking and the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, facilitated a 1-day convening of experts ranging from healthcare providers, survivors, coding and Electronic Health Record system professionals to develop principals and guidelines on the implementation of the International Classification of Disease Codes (ICD) on human trafficking. ICD codes describe the relevant medical condition and/or injury assigned whenever any patient receives medical care at a facility; hospitals/clinics around the world use the same ICD system. Specific codes for suspected and confirmed labor and sexual exploitation will allow national and international study of associated short- and long-term adverse effects, the impact of treatment modalities, and estimates regarding cost of care related to trafficking. Out of this convening, a Guiding Principles document is being developed to help inform the response, while addressing concerns around documentation and access of sensitive information.
