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Table of Contents

• Can I install STAT ICD-9 Coder to a memory/expansion card?

• Why can't I find [search term] using the search feature?

• I downloaded the registered version and it still contains the asterisks that signify more digits required.

• I only need the most common codes for my specialty

• Do I have to register TealInfo™ and Tealdoc  also?

• Is there a PC version of this software?

• What is the developer's clinical background?

• What kind of handheld should I buy?

   

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Can I install STAT ICD-9 Coder to a memory/expansion card?

Total memory required for all files is about 900K. STAT ICD-9 Coder and STAT CPT Coder databases should be installed to handheld memory for optimal use (not to memory cards).

If you fully understand how to manage files on memory cards, however, the individual folios (.pdb files, not TealInfo.prc or TealDoc.prc) may be moved to one-by-one to external memory using the TealInfo "Mov" function. Doing so will add about 1 or 2 seconds to the time needed to open each folio. You should move all or none of the folios since they are linked together and will only find each other if they are in the same memory. For the search function to work, you must also use TealDoc to move or copy the STAT ICD-9 Search.pdb document to the memory card. Also, TealInfo will only remember the last folio that you opened up when you are using the handheld memory i.e. it will start with the Menu folio if you opened it last.

If you see "Cannot find XXX database" errors when switching folio's, you probably have not moved every database to the same memory (all on handheld memory or all on memory card).

Why can't I find [search term] using the search feature?

STAT ICD-9 Coder uses the official CMS ICD-9-CM diagnostic code list which is updated each October.  It contains only one definition for each of the more than 15,000 codes listed.  Often, these definitions are not the most common terms used to describe a particular disorder.  For example "Low back pain" is not on the official list but "Lumbago" is.

Searching for the term "tinea capitis," "tinea amiantacea," "tinea asbestina," "tinea barbae," tinea tonsurans," or "tinea scalp," would yield no results.  Instead it is listed under "DERMATOPHYTOSIS OF SCALP/BEARD" which nobody would search for.  The only way to find it at this time is to search by disease categories INFECTIONS -> MYCOSES -> DERMATOPHYTOSIS.

There are edited versions of the ICD-9-CM list which feature alternate definitions, however, the greatly increased size of these lists preclude their use in this kind of handheld software at this time.

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I downloaded the registered version and it still contains the asterisks that signify more digits required.

A listing such as:

• VERTEBRAL ART OCCLUSION*         433.2

shows that further digits of specificity are required.  Tap the triangle to the left of the description to view the further specifications:

• OCL VRTB ART WO INFRCT        433.20 
• OCL VRTB ART W INFRCT           433.21

In the latest version, only codes with the highest degree of specificity are displayed.

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I only need the most common codes for my specialty

STAT ICD-9 Coder diagnosis codes are divided into 25 individual organ system categories which can be selectively installed according to the needs of the user.

Software that restricts the user choice of diagnostic codes were recently identified by the Office of Inspector General as a compliance risk by facilitating inaccurate coding.  For more information on this, read the March 2000 OIG report on medical billing software (pdf format).

Coding with less specificity also leaves one vulnerable to automatic downcoding by insurance companies.  A diagnosis of bronchitis can be coded as "491.00 SIMPLE CHRONIC BRONCHITIS" or "491.21 OBSTRUCTIVE CHRONIC BRONCHITIS WITH ACTIVE EXACERBATION."  Miscoding one or the other is either an gross understatement or unintentional fraud.

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Registration of TealInfo™ and TealDoc are not included.  They are shareware products of TealPoint Software.  TealInfo is the database product that is used to display the STAT ICD-9 Coder databases.  The demo version included with STAT ICD-9 Coder has an opening delay screen requesting that the user register the software for $16.95.

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Is there a PC version of this software?

No.  This application is specifically tailored to the Palm OS platform for handheld computers.  Why would you want to hold a PC in your hand?  No Windows CE / Pocket PC version is available at this time.

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What is the software developer's clinical/educational background?

Andre S. Chen, M.D. is board certified in Family Practice, received an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and practices with a multi-specialty group practice in Austin, Texas.

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What kind of handheld should I buy?

Plan for 8 megs or more for any clinical application.  Software from StatCoder.com occupies no more than 1 meg in total, however there are there are larger reference applications which no clinician will want to be without.  STAT E&M Coder and the other software available from this company will run on even the lowest priced Palm OS handheld.  These include handhelds from PalmOne.  View our compatible PDA page which contains pictures and web links.

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