title: Status of anatomic pathology data management systems.
abstract: Criteria are presented for selecting and evaluating anatomic pathology computer systems, along with a definition of critical performance areas. Also included are a review of factors in computer technology and coding of diagnoses that are leading to increasing use of computers in anatomic pathology and a list of current systems, some of which are available commercially. A suggested outline of pathologists' data management requirements to facilitate communication with computer marketing personnel and systems developers, and a classification of anatomic pathology data management systems are also presented.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000145:classification; D010336:Pathology / Q000379:methods*