Procedural Standards

Posted July 3rd, 2007 by rwoo

Are there procedural standards that span across different countries? For instance, would an ACL tear be fixed in the same manner in the US as it would overseas? Behavorial health uses the ICD-9 but I'm unclear whether or not other disciplines have agreed upon best practices.

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Coding vs procedural standards

On July 24th, 2007 JD says:

I think there a couple of dimensions to your question.  I'm no coding expert, but I think ICD-10 codes are used in many/most? countries outside the US, while the US still uses ICD-9 codes.

But, I think the more interesting question is regardless of what code is used, is the procedure you get in India (or wherever) the same procedure you are going to get at Cleveland Clinic, with the same devices or surgical tools?  Given that there is tremendous variability just within the US, this is really important consideration.  While measuring outcomes (mortality, morbidity, return to normal activities, etc) is most important, I think experience from other complex industries has tought us that you need to worry both outcomes and process.  Â