Long COVID assessments and treatments, C.A.C., Data Analytics, R.B.C.O., G.E.M. and FRIC; 360Encompass TM., N.L.U., 13th Edition, and C.I., are just some of the acronyms and key words highlighted by the interesting speakers at the NSW HIMAA Branch Seminar.
Health, in its every-changing complexity, continues to demand quality data and robust health information systems.
Although no date for the introduction of ICD11 is available yet, Vanessa Gartrell, Senior Engagement Manager, Activity Based Management, NSW Health, did announce SNAP V5 will go-live on 1 July 2024. SNAP V5 has had shadow pricing for 2 years and changes include a Maintenance Care Type and G.E.M Care Type replacing RUG -ADL and Delirium. Vanessa emphasised that “frailty is a cost driver”.
Long-COVID can present itself via 200 different symptoms which could overlap another condition. A significant condition present in Long-COVID is chronic fatigue syndrome, and multi-disciplinary teams are often needed to provide appropriate care to these patients whose condition has a median of 12 months length, and it is most prevalent amongst ages 30 to 50 years. North Sydney Local Health District conducts a robust clinical service and research for these patients.
The NSW Cancer Institute strategy includes improving clinical outcomes utilising the cancer data collections and analytical tools. Lisa Thai has been part of this journey for 10 years in this now global entity. Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes (RBCO) commenced in 2011 and it is now in a 13th cycle with clinical advice being incorporated to influence the data. 16 Local Health Districts are stakeholders and between 2017 to 2022 1,066 RBCO reports have been published.
Jennie Barker from 3M Health, reminded the audience that ICD-9 Revision ceased in 1998 and ICD-10 commenced. For those in the audience who were coding in 1980, Jennie reminded us we were coding using ICD-9. Research for Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) has been published in USA and after 5 years utilising CAC, findings include increased productivity, increased quality measures, and reduced outsourcing. However, there was no loss of positions of Clinical Coders and USA has a shortage of Clinical Coders.
This latest event organised by the NSW Branch in a new spacious hub on Level 1, NSW Health, was a hive of conversations and an opportunity to network in person.
Special thank you to Melissa Turnell, NSW Convenor (her last event as Convenor), Kim Osborne, and Kara Pollard (Board Member).
Until the next Seminar!
Cassandra Jordan
Honorary Careers Officer, NSW Branch