[Coding in neuropediatrics based on the International Classification Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9), 5th edition (2006)].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze International Classification Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) coding and adapt it, on a consensus basis, to 'reasons for medical consultation', 'diagnoses' and 'procedures' in child neurology.


METHODS
The most frequent reasons for medical consultation, diagnoses and procedures in neuropediatrics were selected and assigned the most appropriate ICD-9, Clinical Modification (5th ed.) (ICD-9-CM) codes in accordance with this system's coding rules. Disorders were grouped by sections, and allocated to the various members of the working group (13 child neurologists from 10 hospitals in Madrid and environs).


RESULTS
Available on the web www.neurologia.com/cie-9. ICD-9-CM codes were assigned to: 158 reasons for medical consultation; 886 diagnoses; 73 diagnostic procedures; and 53 therapeutic procedures. In every case, the most appropriate ICD-9 code was sought for the respective diagnosis. No codes were invented but the working group did take certain liberties with interpretation, which nevertheless showed respect for general ICD-9-CM philosophy and are described in full in the text.


CONCLUSIONS
The creation of this ICD-9 adaptation will not only enhance diagnostic coding in child neurology departments, but will also provide them with a useful tool for setting up databases to enable information to be retrospectively analyzed and shared by the different health centers.
García-Pérez
A
A
Servicios de Neuropediatría, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, Madrid, España. agarcia@fhalcorcon.es
Martínez-Granero
M A
MA
Verdú-Pérez
A
A
de Castro-De Castro
P
P
Garzo-Fernández
C
C
Vázquez-López
M
M
Martínez-Bermejo
A
A
Simón-De las Heras
R
R
Martínez-Menéndez
B
B
San Antonio-Arce
V
V
de Santos-Moreno
M T
MT
Carrasco-Marina
M L
ML
Cazorla-Calleja
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D019468:Disease Management; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D009462:Neurology / Q000379:methods*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology