Changes in the accuracy of administrative data for the detection of surgical site infections

Abstract

We performed a retrospective analysis of the changes in accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) diagnosis codes for colectomy and hysterectomy surgical site infection surveillance. After the transition from ICD-CM ninth edition to tenth edition codes, there was no significant change in the accuracy of these codes for SSI surveillance.

National validation of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services strategy for identifying potential surgical-site infections following colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomy

“…One study showed no significant change in the performance of SSI surveillance codes for colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomy after the transition to ICD-10. 25 We previously published a comparison of the ICD-9 diagnosis codes to ICD-10 diagnosis codes (Supplementary Appendix Table 3 online). 19 In summary, our findings provide strong support for the current methodology being used by CMS and some state health departments to identify records to review during validation site visits.…”

“…One study showed no significant change in the performance of SSI surveillance codes for colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomy after the transition to ICD-10. 25 We previously published a comparison of the ICD-9 diagnosis codes to ICD-10 diagnosis codes (Supplementary Appendix Table online). 19…”