The Quality of Coding Medical Records of Cancer Patients Based on ICD-10 in Hospitals of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the status of ICD-10 codes assigned to cancer patients' medical records in terms of three attributes of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Method: in this cross-sectional descriptive study, 374 medical files with C00-D48 diagnosis codes were selected through stratified sampling. Data gathering tool was a researcher-made checklist consisted of clinical information summary, codes assigned by assistant professors and coders, the review and comparison of the codes, the results obtained from the control of codes by ICD-10 and the errors extracted from coders’ codes. The factors affecting the occurrence of coding errors at different levels and their impact on the accuracy and completeness of the codes were classified. Results: Totally, coding errors were observed in 79 cases (21.74%). differences in codes at the level of the chapter were due to not following the rules for choosing the main diagnosis (30 cases) and inadequate study of the records (38 cases). In terms of completeness, in 27 cases (7.43%), codes assigned by coders were defective compared to assistant professors’ codes. In relation to the timeliness, in accordance with the WHO standard, coding was done within 48 hours of the patient's discharge. Conclusion: According to the results, coding quality is not only dependent on the coders, but also on other factors such as documentation defect. Therefore, continuous training for both coders and documenters is necessary to resolve defects, especially in the field of cancer. It is also recommended to use the results of this study for planning related workshops

Evaluation of Documentation and Coding Requirements of Medical Records in the Implementation of a Payment System Based on Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) in Medical Education Centers of Urmia University of Medical Sciences

Background and Aim: In the health system, reimbursement methods are an important criterion for the allocation of resources and the performance of service providers. The use of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system reduces the length of stay and additional costs of the patient, prevents unnecessary treatment, increases resource efficiency and transparency of health care services. The development of the DRG system focuses on the accurate documentation of medical records and the correct coding of diagnoses and procedures. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the documentation and coding requirements of medical records in the implementation of a payment system based on diagnosis-related groups in Iran. Materials and Methods: This research was descriptive-cross-sectional and was conducted in 2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinion of experts (health information management health economics) and its reliability was obtained by calculating Cronbach’s alpha (0.83). The research population consisted of 418 medical records in five medical training centers affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, which were selected through stratified-proportional sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results of the evaluation of the documentation and coding requirements of medical records for the implementation of the DRG system showed that the demographic/administrative variables including age, sex, type of admission, length of stay, health insurance, and doctor’s expertise were completely recorded. Evaluation of clinical variables also showed that the main diagnosis, main procedure, secondary diagnosis and other procedures were documented in medical records in 98%, 97%, 88% and 75% respectively. Regarding the coding of the main diagnosis and the main procedure, 100%, secondary diagnosis 68% and other procedures 80% have been done. Conclusion: Considering that some essential clinical variables for the implementation of DRG, especially co-morbidities, complications and other procedures are not recorded separately and completely, therefore it is necessary to define separate information elements in medical records and HIS for accurate recording of these variables and proper interaction between coders and doctors is established to increase the possibility of correct coding. It is also suggested that the DRG system be implemented in our country in a phased and gradual approach so that necessary changes are made in the documentation process and hospital information systems

Performance Evaluation of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS) hospitals based on Pabon Lasso Model

Background: Hospitals need a system for evaluating and monitoring performance for promotion the efficiency and effectiveness of their services and outcomes. Pabon Lasso model is a graphical chart that can be used to identify the current status and performance level of hospitals by combining hospital indicators, simultaneously.  Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS) hospitals during a six-year period using this model. Methods: This descriptive study includes all teaching and non-teaching hospitals affiliated with the HUMS. After gathering the required information related to three indices: Bed Occupancy Rate, Bed Turnover Rate and Average Length of Stay for the years 2009 to 2014 from the statistical systems and yearbooks, the situation of hospitals in terms of indices by drawing Pabon Lasso graphical charts using SPSS version 16, were analyzed. Results: The results showed that during a six-year period, on average, 26 percent of hospitals were placed in zone I, that is the inefficient area, 28 percent in zone II, 30 percent in zone III which is an efficient area of the model and 16% in zone IV of the Pabon Lasso model. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the utilization of hospitals beds is relatively desirable.  Periodic monitoring of province centers and determining their status in the model, and also, performance assessment from another dimension is suggested in order to achieve more comprehensive and more accurate results