Surgical Index

Description

Surgical Index refers to a set of databases that serve as an index to the patient's medical records. The index is created by the coding and classification of operative diagnoses and procedures from a patient's medical record using the surgical operative report as the primary source of information. Surgical Index is an institutional resource used to identify patients for epidemiological research, statistical analysis, administrative reporting, and quality control.

History

In 1935 the "old" Berkson code was established by Dr. Joseph Berkson. With this system, only the most important operation was coded. This data was typed on key punch cards as well as written out in surgical records books. The data from the key punch cards has been stored on tape while the books have recently been destroyed. This system was used from 1935 to 1955.

In 1956 the "new" Berkson code was established and was used until 1987. Most all procedures were coded and put on key punch cards and stored. The data was retrived using a card sorter. The cards have subsequently been destroyed with the data being saved on tape.

In 1988 SIRS(Surgical Information Recording System) was established. At that time the Berkson code was abolished and the coding was done using ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision Clinical Modification). The Mayo satellites at Jacksonville and Scottsdale went on-line with the Rochester Mayo SIRS System during 1992 and 1993.

The information gathered in Surgical Index is used for retrieving data based upon surgical procedures. DRGs(Diagnosis Related Groups) began using our data in 1994 to code outpatient surgeries done at RMH and St. Mary's. Our data is also used for accredidation reports for surgical residents and management reports for Mayo surgeons.