title: The application of a computerised diagnostic index for ophthalmic practice.
abstract: All 2792 patients seen in my private practice between July 1989 and September 1992 and receiving a diagnosis were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases-9 (Clinical Modification), 1979. Any procedures performed were coded according to the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology. Patient details and codes were filed by computer using a customised database in Foxpro 2.0 software. Those with minor refractive error or presbyopia alone and those who had no abnormality were excluded from the database. The set-up and maintenance of this diagnostic index is described and the database structure is specified. A modification of the glaucoma section of ICD-9, which better suited my needs, is presented. Examples of the potential information available from such a database is described, including some analysis of this general ophthalmic practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011364:Professional Practice