The reputation of doctors and hospitals may be at risk with inaccurate reporting of PCI-related deaths, say researchers.
 
A study on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) published in a May issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that death certificates were only accurately reported in 58 percent of deaths in reviewed PCI patient cases at a single hospital from January 2009 to April 2011.
 
The study focused on chart reviews of 4,078 patients who underwent PCIs – 81 patients died within 30 days. Of those who died, 58 percent died of cardiac-related causes and less than half of the deaths (42 percent) were attributed to PCI-related complications.
 
Researchers stress that the labeling of deaths as PCI-related could be skewing data which can affect reputations and even reimbursements.
 
The study hits on a reoccurring finding by researchers that death certificates are often inaccurate in reporting cause of death – especially when it targets heart-related causes. Results from an intervention study published in the CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease showed an over reporting of heart disease as a cause of death.
 
The authors for the study published in the JACC noted that “death certificates have limitations and are not ideal for public health reporting.” They suggest classifying post-PCI deaths as either PCI related or non-PCI related.
For tips on coding for PCIs, turn to Cardiology Coder’s Pink Sheet.