Hi everyone!
I used to think that coding's main purpose was for billing, but the more I learn, the more I'm thinking of it as a tool for data analysis, especially after learning external causes. I mean, I don't think it makes much difference to a biller whether you were bitten by a raccoon or an orca; all those minute distinctions have to be for someone to keep track of information.
So I'm throwing out some questions to you-who-know-a-lot-more-than-me out of, well, curiosity. First of all, who analyzes all this data we are coding? Is that part of Health Informatics?
Secondly, what is done about things grouped in "unspecified" groups that have significance to a local area? For example, there are no specific codes for bear or moose injuries, but up here in Alaska we would definitely want to keep track of them. In other places, the animal to watch for may be an alligator or a hippopotamus or a water buffalo-- so how are local conditions handled?
Finally, since there is room built into the code for expansion, will there be changes if a new condition comes along? I'm thinking something like Zika-- will they create a code to track that?
Sorry for geeking out, I was just curious!