Systematic approach to diagnosis and coding of pediatric cardiac disease.

A new system for coding congenital heart defects and related problems was developed to facilitate the computerized storage and retrieval of detailed diagnostic information. The system is based on the segmental approach to diagnosis with comprehensive tables indicating all possible mutually exclusive intersegmental alignments and connections. Diagnostic entities rather than nomenclature are the subjects of the codes. This system represents the best effort to date to develop an all-inclusive, precise, and accurate code while insuring completeness and maximizing efficiency in data collection by the use of a highly structured code book.