NCJ Number
234293
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2011 Pages: 3-17
Date Published
January 2011
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined ICD (International Classification of Disease) codes that may be useful in identifying child maltreatment.
Abstract
Review of hospital discharges and emergency department visits for children in the year 2000 found that 68 ICD (International Classification of Disease) codes had greater than 66 percent of visits classified as maltreatment-related. ICD codes that are suggestive of child maltreatment include specific fractures, burns, and injuries of undetermined intent. This study examined ICD codes to identify those codes that might be suggestive in identifying child maltreatment for the purpose of increasing the usefulness of medical data to public health officials for monitoring child maltreatment. Data for the study were obtained from a review of a statewide database of hospital discharges and emergency department visits of children for the year 2000. In addition, a literature review was conducted and discussions were held with experts to identify the injuries and conditions that should raise suspicion of child maltreatment. A corresponding list of ICD codes was compiled for these injuries and conditions. Results of the data analysis show that of the 2,826 records reviewed and classified, 43 percent met the criteria for having ICD codes suggestive of being maltreatment-related. The authors suggest that the use of ICD codes that suggest child maltreatment, in conjunction with ICD maltreatment-specific codes, may enhance the use of medical data by public health officials for monitoring child maltreatment trends. Tables, references, and appendix