Chapter XX - External causes of morbidity and mortality Flashcards
What do external cause codes classify?
External cause codes classify outside factors as the cause of injury, poisoning and other adverse effects
When recording an external cause code from V01-Y36, on which episode of care must the external cause be assigned and in which position?
- It is only necessary to record the external cause code from V01-Y36 on the first episode the condition is recorded in the UK.
- External cause codes must always be recorded in a seconday position.
Which type of external cause code must be assigned on every episode in which the condition is recorded?
Codes in categories Y40-Y98 (postprocedural complications)
If the external cause of an injury is not specified, which code should be used?
X59.- Exposure to unspecified factor
In which section of the Alphabetical Index are external causes located?
Section II
What do the fourth character subdivisions for the use with external cause codes identify?
The ‘Place of Occurance’ - where the injury, poisoning or adverse effect took place.
What is the difference between ‘morbidity’ and ‘mortality’ coding?
- Morbidity - coding of illness, injury and associated health care problems and is usually performed by Clinical Coders within Hospital Trusts.
- Mortality - coding of deaths from a death certificate only and is performed by the ONS.
What are the alternative descriptions for an adverse effect?
- Adverse effect of a drug
- Allergic reaction
- Cumulative toxicity
- Hypersensitivity
- Idiosyncratic reaction
- Interaction of drugs (properly administered)
- Side effects
When a condition is linked to travel (for example DVT), which external cause code should be used?
X51.9 Travel and motion
If it is not clear whether an injury or overdose is accidental or intentional self harm, how should this be coded?
Should be coded with the accidental external cause or accidental poisoning code.
When can codes Y10-Y34 event of undetermined intent be used?
Only when ‘undetermined intent’ is stated by a medical or legal authority, such as coroner at an inquest.
Must not be used when no information has been given about the circumstances of an event.
How should adverse effects be coded?
- Assign a code for the nature of the adverse effect/patient’s reaction (i.e rash)
- Assign an external cause code from Y40-Y59 from the ‘Adverse effect in therapeutic use’ column of the Table of Drugs and Chemicals.
How must multiple adverse effects from a drug be coded?
An external cause from Y40-Y59 must be assigned after each adverse effect.
How must an adverse effect due to multiple drugs (where each drug has been identified) be coded?
Seperate codes from Y40-Y59 must be assigned for each drug or component.
How must an adverse reaction to a drug (properly or improperly administered) taken in combination with alcohol be coded?
As a poisoning by both agents.
