The International Classification of Diseases (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, ICD) is a globally used coding tool for epidemiology, health management, and clinical purposes. Currently, the ICD-11 is internationally valid. However, only a few countries have implemented this version so far. The ICD provides the opportunity for a computer-compatible performance comparison among service providers. Resource consumption becomes traceable and calculable. Practice peculiarities can be depicted. A precise language regulation is made possible. A differentiated examination is possible with the ICD for diagnosis and therapy. However, the multiyear application of the ICD-10 reveals its weaknesses. Therefore, the ICD-11 presents an essentially new systematics. The World Health Assembly adopted the future ICD-11 in May 2019 after the publication of the first version in June 2018 and came into effect on January 1, 2022. No statements can be made about the specific time of introduction of the ICD-11 in Germany.