Automated Coding in Case Mix Databases of Bacterial Infections Based on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Results

Our objective was to improve the accuracy of bacteria and resistance coding in a hospital case mix database. Data sources consisted of 50,074 files on bacteriological susceptibility tests transmitted with the HPRIM protocol from laboratory management system to electronic health record of the University hospital of Saint Etienne in July 2017. An algorithm was implemented to detect susceptibility tests containing information corresponding to codes whose addition in the case mix database was susceptible to increase the severity level of a diagnosis related group. Among 132 hospital stays fulfilling the conditions, 27 were lacking bacteria and/or resistance codes, and the tariff was increased for 9 stays, with earnings of €54,612. Analyzing Antimicrobial susceptibility tests helps to improve clinical coding and optimize the financial gain.