The importance of ICD-10 applications on daily practice

Abstract

This study assessed the adequacy of patient data entry in the context of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) in the Hospital Information Administration System. It was also aimed to study the adequacy and functionality of the ICD-10 coding in the current Turkish Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) practice in detail. The medical records of 1216 patients who presented to the ORL outpatient clinic between 2012 and 2013 were reviewed. Eight diagnostic codes used by the ORL department were selected from the patient diagnoses report to form patient lists. The accessibility of the ICD-10 codes was analyzed. The data was transferred into the MEdCalc 12.0 software package in a digital medium. The study data was analyzed using frequency tables, Chi-square test, and the two sided likelihood ratio test. Among the ICD-10 codes included in the study, the larynx malignant neoplasm diagnosis (C32.9) was recorded at a rate of 60% and had the greatest ratio of recorded medical history, followed by malignant disorders (C32.3) of the laryngeal cartilage, vertigo (R42) (12.4%) whereas facial asymmetry (Q67.0) (10.5%) had the lowest recorded medical history ratios. There was a significant difference between the recorded and unrecorded patient groups (p<0,0001). Hospital Information Administration Systems are needed to be effective and efficient in order to have appropriate future decisions in healthcare system. The ICD codes should be updated frequently according to the recent necessities and physicians should be trained about new developments.