Analysis of questions regarding morbidity coding posted to the online coding clinic of the Korean Medical Record Association

Accuracy and consistency in morbidity coding are important in both clinical research and practice. However, Health Information Managers (HIMs) sometimes face difficulties in assigning morbidity codes. To assist them, the Korean Medical Record Association operates an online coding clinic bulletin board, on which HIMs can post questions and receive answers. Frequency analysis and Fisher's exact testing were performed to identify differences among the types of questions posted and the characteristics of the HIMs who posted them. Through statistical analysis, it was found that HIMs working at hospitals with fewer than 500 beds and those with more than 10 years of work experience were found to post more questions than other HIMs. The study also identified the characteristics of HIMs who require more coding education and particular diagnoses for which further training is required. Our findings will assist the development of coding procedures, guidelines, education programs, and a more user-friendly database.