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Definition

The primary body function or structure of the patient alleged to have been affected, as represented by a code.

Components

Data Element (this item)

Representation

This representation is based on the value domain for this data element, more information is available at " Body function or structure code N[N] ".
Data Type Number
Format N[N]
Maximum character length 2
Values
Value Meaning Start Date End Date
Permissible Values 1 Mental functions or structures of the nervous system
2 Sensory functions and pain of the eye, ear and related structures
3 Voice and speech functions or structures involved in voice and speech
4 Functions or structures of the cardiovascular, haematological, immunological and respiratory systems
5 Functions or structures of the digestive, metabolic and endocrine systems
6 Genitourinary or reproductive functions and structures
7 Neuromusculoskeletal or movement-related functions and structures
8 Functions and structures of the skin and related structures
9 Death
Supplementary Values 97 Not applicable
99 Not stated/inadequately described

Comments

Guide for use:

This data element should be used in conjunction with the data element: Patient—additional body function or structure affected, body function or structure code N[N] to provide information on the nature of the harm alleged to have resulted from a health-care incident.

Only one primary body function or structure may be selected.

The primary body function or structure affected should be that which has the greatest impact on the patient.

Where this impact is psychological it should be recorded as Code 1 'Mental functions or structures of the nervous system'.

Where the patient experiences pain as a result of the health-care incident, record the code for the body structure with which the pain is most closely associated. Where the pain experienced by the patient as a result of the health-care incident is deemed to be more disabling than the associated physical or mental damage to the patient, then record Code 2 'Sensory functions and pain of the eye, ear and related structures'.

In the case of cancer primarily affecting a single organ or body part, the appropriate code for that organ or body part should be recorded. Where the cancer has progressed and affects major body systems, Code 4 'Functions or structures of the cardiovascular, haematological, immunological and respiratory systems' should be recorded. This rule should also be followed for other conditions affecting major body systems.

Comments:

This data element is fully aligned with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (2006) National Claims and Policies Database, data item 16. 'Body functions or structures affected'.

References

APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) 2006. Data Specifications National Claims and Policies Database document number 3.1. Canberra: APRA
This content Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Attribution provided as required under the AIHW CC-BY licence.

Related content

Relation Count
Input in Derivations 0
Output in Derivations 0
Inclusion in Data Set Specifications 2
Inclusion in Data Distributions 0
As a numerator in an Indicator 0
As a denominator in an Indicator 0
As a disaggregation in an Indicator 0