Some differences in the coding process had to be accepted, such as numbers of codes used per contact and per setting, individual coding decision in a particular case (such as choice for diagnosis codes instead of symptoms codes) and relation of coding with practice income.
ICPC codes of symptoms or conditions that have been resolved are retained in the registration system of the general practitioner.
The challenge was to match and integrate (or recode) the CINEAS clinical symptom list with HPO in order to use one enriched standardized coding system for future coding of patients' symptoms and to obtain interoperability for CINEAS codes already registered in local systems all over the country.
Twenty-five pediansweredsevenwered seven questions about their coding of specific symptoms and use of specific ICD codes for various lower respiratory illnesses (survey available on request).
19 The findings of the study need also to be seen in the context of potential GP biases in coding of alarm symptoms.
The coding of presenting symptoms to the AED took place using hospital records rather than the data collection sheets that were used in the GP cooperative.
Skepticism about ICD-9 data in particular revolves around whether data coded at the time of visit accurately reflects true illness, given the potential for coding of nonspecific symptoms and unconfirmed diagnoses and for provider or coder variations in code selection (18 ).
Each MHS records patient information in a national database, which includes information on age, postal code, date of symptoms, complications, hospitalization, and source of infection.
Gastro-oesophageal outcomes were categorised in two ways firstly using diagnostic codes specific to GORD (ICD 10 category K21), for example "gastro-oesophageal reflux", and secondly including Barrett's Oesophagus and more general codes indicative of symptoms of GORD such as 'reflux oesophagitis' and 'waterbrash'waterbrash
21 The NICE traffic light system was designed for young children under 5 years of age and was intended for a range of settings (general practice, paediatric specialists, or remote assistance by health professionals), and is a colour coded checklist of symptoms and signs (see online supplementary table 1 on bmj.com).
