title: Data Representation, Coding, and Communication Standards.
abstract: The immense volume of cases signed out by surgical pathologists on a daily basis gives little time to think about exactly how data are stored. An understanding of the basics of data representation has implications that affect a pathologist's daily practice. This article covers the basics of data representation and its importance in the design of electronic medical record systems. Coding in surgical pathology is also discussed. Finally, a summary of communication standards in surgical pathology is presented, including suggested resources that establish standards for select aspects of pathology reporting.
authors.affiliation: Affiliated Pathologists Medical Group, 19951 Mariner Avenue Suite 155, Torrance, CA 90503, USA. Electronic address: milon.amin@outlook.com.
authors.forename: Milon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amin
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital, 5230 Centre Avenue, Room WG 02.6, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dhir
mesh_terms: D059019:Clinical Coding / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D003142:Communication; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D009626:Terminology as Topic
keywords: CPT; Coding; ICD-10; Informatics; Pathology; Standards