Table 2 Coding rules in Codac

1.

To be a COD, the condition(s combined) should have significant lethality (≥ 0.05) in the clinical setting it was observed.

2.

If no COD was found, code antepartum stillbirths and neonatal deaths as 8xx and intrapartum deaths as 29x.

3.

If two (or more) conditions could be COD, select the most significant contributor to death.

4.

If two equally significant conditions could be COD, code the first to occur if this can cause the latter (related conditions)

5.

If two equally significant conditions could be COD, code the last to occur if this cannot cause the first (unrelated conditions)

6.

If two equally significant conditions of unknown timing could be COD, code the first among codes 0 to 7 (hierarchically).

7.

If COD was infectious, code as 0xx (000 if unknown agent) and report the locus as AC in 19x, 49x, 59x, 69x or 79x.

8.

If any act to advance death was performed (termination), code as 9xx, and conditions leading to termination as AC.

9.

To be an AC, the condition(s combined) should contribute significantly in explaining the circumstances of death.

10.

Do not code any condition(s) unrelated to the causes or circumstances of death.