This has been done before. The root of the problem is that medicare uses odd diagnosis codes (ICD9) while the real world uses a much different approach. If I am billing for a visit for chest pain, I might use the code for chest pain, rib pain, angina, pleurisy, shingles, sprained rib, nonspecific chest pain, or any of dozens of others. Each has its unique ICD9 code. Some doctors (like me) use the most specific code supported by the available findings while others use more general codes. You can see where the problems might arise using this data for research or comparison of practices.
BTW, there is an ICD9 code for "sucked into a jet engine." I haven't used it yet.
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Rich
San Francisco Area
ESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.
As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
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