Financial Impact of Inaccurate Coding Plus Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Surgically Managed Patients With Periprosthetic Fractures.

Background An upward trend is seen in a number of periprosthetic fractures. Their management often requires complex surgical intervention, expert skills and expensive equipment. Hospitals get paid according to Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) tariffs. HRG gets generated once diagnoses, Charlson comorbidity (CC) index score, surgical procedures, investigations and length of stay have been coded for. Coding departments consist of non-clinicians. Although auditing systems are in and made of internal and external auditors, we hypothesized that multiple errors can still occur which may result in significant financial losses. Objectives To assess the accuracy of coding for management of periprosthetic fractures. To identify causes for inaccurate coding and assess the financial impact of highly complex trauma in a district general hospital (DGH). Methods Retrospective comparative analysis of case notes for patients with an M966 diagnosis code (periprosthetic fracture) between 1st November 2017 and 1st November 2018. All cases were analysed and data for primary procedure, primary diagnosis, secondary procedures and secondary diagnosis, comorbidities and length of stay were extrapolated and re-coded using the same software in use by the coding team. Costs incurred for each surgically managed patient were calculated using a rough estimate of cost of each procedure. Finally, cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out by comparing our calculated figures to the actual final claim by our institution.  Results Twenty-nine patients with the diagnosis of periprosthetic fracture were identified by the coding team using M966 code. A further case was identified by reviewing operating software (Operating Room Management Information System [ORMIS®]). In four cases (13.3 %), the primary diagnosis was coded incorrectly by the coding team. Overall coders accuracy for surgically managed patients (n=21) was 52% (n=11). This resulted in an estimated incurred loss of £25,000. Wrong/omitted site of surgery was found to be the most influential coder error with up to £8000 loss in one case (P<0.05). Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated the stark differences in costs for HRG tariffs when used in trauma setting vs non-trauma setting. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was associated with less financial loss to our trust with closer procedural costs to HRG tariff (average cost of £9200 for ORIF vs £22,030 for a massive endoprosthesis). Conclusions Surgeons should carefully review codes for such complex procedures before or soon after surgery. Wrong/omitted site of surgery is the key cause for losses in our cohort, followed by inadequate recording of comorbidities. Coders can only code for what is documented. Following cost-effectiveness analysis our study highlights the need for HRG tariffs to be revised for such procedures. The cost of ORIF vs massive endoprosthesis should be noted, signifying the implant costs when such specialised revision surgery performed over less expensive ORIF surgery.

Management of anticoagulation in hip fractures: A pragmatic approach.

Hip fractures are common and increasing with an ageing population. In the United Kingdom, the national guidelines recommend operative intervention within 36 hours of diagnosis. However, long-term anticoagulant treatment is frequently encountered in these patients which can delay surgical intervention. Despite this, there are no set national standards for management of drug-induced coagulopathy pre-operatively in the context of hip fractures.The aim of this study was to evaluate the management protocols available in the current literature for the commonly encountered coagulopathy-inducing agents.We reviewed the current literature, identified the reversal agents used in coagulopathy management and assessed the evidence to determine the optimal timing, doses and routes of administration.Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists (VKA) can be reversed effectively using vitamin K with a dose in the range of 2 mg to 10 mg intravenously to correct coagulopathy.The role of fresh frozen plasma is not clear from the current evidence while prothrombin complex remains a reliable and safe method for immediate reversal of VKA-induced coagulopathy in hip fracture surgery or failed vitamin K treatment reversal.The literature suggests that surgery should not be delayed in patients on classical antiplatelet medications (aspirin or clopidogrel), but spinal or regional anaesthetic methods should be avoided for the latter. However, evidence regarding the use of more novel antiplatelet medications (e.g. ticagrelor) and direct oral anticoagulants remains a largely unexplored area in the context of hip fracture surgery. We suggest treatment protocols based on best available evidence and guidance from allied specialties.Hip fracture surgery presents a common management dilemma where semi-urgent surgery is required. In this article, we advocate an evidence-based algorithm as a guide for managing these anticoagulated patients. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:394-402. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160083.

An unusual pain in the hip.

A 68-year-old previously healthy man presented with increasing right hip pain of 6 months duration. On examination he was found to have a hard mass in the right hip arising from the pelvic bone. Imaging studies were in keeping with a sarcoma arising from the right iliac bone. However, biopsy of this bony lesion confirmed this to be a metastatic adenocarcinoma rather than a primary bone malignancy. Further imaging and a subsequent colonoscopy revealed the primary to be a colonic adenocarcinoma. The unique and unusual nature of this case was the presentation as a solitary bony metastasis from a colonic primary. There is no previously documented report in the literature of such a rare presentation of a colonic adenocarcinoma as a solitary bony lesion mimicking a primary sarcoma in the absence of other signs or symptoms.

An unusual cause of pain in the hip.

Colorectal Carcinoma is the second biggest killer after lung and bronchial carcinoma. Due to its insidious onset and late manifestation of symptoms a national screening programme was started in 2006 within the UK. We present a rare case of colorectal adenocarcinoma mimicking osteosarcoma and presenting as hip pain at initial consultation in the orthopaedic clinic. Further adding to the rarity of this case is that of an apparent bony metastasis in isolation. Our case demonstrates the vital role that histological sampling plays in the diagnosis and treatment of carcinomatous disease. It also demonstrates the need to maintain high index of clinical suspicion, no matter how benign the presenting complaint may seem.

Surgical management of fractured neck of femur.

The fractured neck of femur is the classically described fracture in osteoporotic elderly patients. Further, the fracture has a strong predominance in post-menopausal women and, although relatively uncommon in both children and young adults, where present in this age group it is usually the result of significant trauma. In elderly patients, with an already weakened bone, even minimal trauma may be sufficient to cause fracture and as such a fractured neck of femur is often referred to as a fragility fracture.

A stab in the back with a screwdriver: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Stabbings infrequently produce spinal injury. However, the use weapons other than blades can overcome this natural defence barrier. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a spinal injury produced by a screwdriver, its management and a review of the literature. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need for clinical vigilance, including in those who appear stable and a senior multidisciplinary approach to each individual case.