Post by unlawflcombatnt on Feb 11, 2010 17:15:06 GMT -6
Computers are very useful in some areas. In other areas they're not. Attempts to force their usage in many areas is a step backwards.
The computerization of Medicine is one such backwards step.
Today another example of this was thrown in my face.
Supposedly, physicians can look up ICD-9 billing codes online. "Supposedly" is the operative word here.
I spent a good bit of time online trying to find the code for "weight loss." Nothing turned up. Then I tried "weight loss, unintentional." Again, nothing showed up.
Then I happened to be thumbing through old notes and I found a code I'd already written down for weight loss--783.21. Then I punched in the code 783.21 to see what diagnosis came up.
It came up with "Loss of Weight." Apparently the online, computer program for ICD-9 coding doesn't know that "Weight Loss" and "Loss of Weight" are the same thing. So when you search for weight loss, the program has no clue what "weight loss" means.
Talk about a "smart" search.
This should make everyone feel real warm and fuzzy about computerized medical charts, and computerized medicine in general.
The computerized medical system has holes in it big enough to drive a truck through--and maybe even an aircraft carrier.
Some greedy dirtbags have made a lot of money trying to sell the public on electronic medical records, and the computerization of medicine. And now the Great One and his cohorts are forcing this greed-motivated dysfunctional concept onto the public--at both physicians' and taxpayers' expense.
What a great country we live in--where every worthless, nut-ball idea that puts money in some greedmeister's pocket is adopted.
The computerization of Medicine is one such backwards step.
Today another example of this was thrown in my face.
Supposedly, physicians can look up ICD-9 billing codes online. "Supposedly" is the operative word here.
I spent a good bit of time online trying to find the code for "weight loss." Nothing turned up. Then I tried "weight loss, unintentional." Again, nothing showed up.
Then I happened to be thumbing through old notes and I found a code I'd already written down for weight loss--783.21. Then I punched in the code 783.21 to see what diagnosis came up.
It came up with "Loss of Weight." Apparently the online, computer program for ICD-9 coding doesn't know that "Weight Loss" and "Loss of Weight" are the same thing. So when you search for weight loss, the program has no clue what "weight loss" means.
Talk about a "smart" search.
This should make everyone feel real warm and fuzzy about computerized medical charts, and computerized medicine in general.
The computerized medical system has holes in it big enough to drive a truck through--and maybe even an aircraft carrier.
Some greedy dirtbags have made a lot of money trying to sell the public on electronic medical records, and the computerization of medicine. And now the Great One and his cohorts are forcing this greed-motivated dysfunctional concept onto the public--at both physicians' and taxpayers' expense.
What a great country we live in--where every worthless, nut-ball idea that puts money in some greedmeister's pocket is adopted.