Health data standards and systems

Example 3 in the ACS 0048 Condition onset flag, relates to an obstetric episode. Both the PPH and CRN have been coded in this example, without supporting evidence of how either of these conditions meet ACS 0002. ACS 0002 indicates under 'Conditions noted in obstetric cases' that conditions noted by the clinician should not be coded unless they meet ACS 0002. There are also obstetric examples in CM and the NCCH database which supported and were consistent with this latter view. Could it be that the example 3 in ACS 0048 is to be used only as an example for condition onset flag usage, and not actual correct coding advice? Example 4 is also an obstetric case, but all the conditions coded have documentation as to why they meet ACS 0002. Our coders are finding it very difficult with conflicting advice like this in the ACS.

The VICC advises ACS 0048 Condition onset flag is purely about condition onset flags and not ACS 0002 Additional diagnoses criteria. Therefore as per the enquirer's comment, example 3 in ACS 0048 Condition onset flag is only to be used as an example of condition onset flag usage. The VICC also notes that VIC 0048 overrides ACS 0048.