Status of anatomic pathology data management systems.

Criteria are presented for selecting and evaluating anatomic pathology computer systems, along with a definition of critical performance areas. Also included are a review of factors in computer technology and coding of diagnoses that are leading to increasing use of computers in anatomic pathology and a list of current systems, some of which are available commercially. A suggested outline of pathologists' data management requirements to facilitate communication with computer marketing personnel and systems developers, and a classification of anatomic pathology data management systems are also presented.