Hospital coding of Dementia: is it accurate?

This paper investigates the coding of dementia in the episode of care in a pilot study group (N=48) post hospital discharge and the possible implications of under-coding. The assigned ICD-10-AM codes and Diagnosis Related Groups were reviewed. Results demonstrate under-coding of dementia and of cognitive de„±cits; poor correlation between admission diagnoses and dementia codes on separation; and changes in individual patients¡¦¡¦ cognitive status across forms and assessments in the same admission. The complexities of accurately coding dementias will impact upon planning for future treatments and service provision and will have a „²ow-on effect for patients, hospitals, and patient care in Australia.