Chat GPT – Who Needs Coders?

Chat GPT – Who Needs Coders?

As a non-coder, I decided to try out Chat GPT to look up some potential codes. 

I started with something easy.

TP: I am looking for the diagnosis code for a broken arm.

Chat GPT: “The diagnosis code for a broken arm (also known as a fracture of the arm) may vary depending on the specific location and type of the fracture. However, the most commonly used code for a fracture of the upper arm bone (humerus) is S42.2, while the most commonly used code for a fracture of the forearm bones (radius and ulna) is S52.5.

For example, the specific diagnosis code for a closed fracture of the shaft of the right humerus would be S42.32XA, while the specific code for a closed fracture of the distal end of the left radius would be S52.532A.”

I decided to try something more difficult.

TP: A patient has chest pains and an irregular heartbeat. The patient is 60 years old and obese. His pulse is rapid and thready. What is the diagnosis code?

Chat GPT: “Based on the information provided, a possible diagnosis code for a patient with chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, and a rapid and thready pulse who is 60 years old and obese may be I49.3, which is the code for ‘ventricular premature depolarization.’ Ventricular premature depolarization (VPD) is a type of arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and a rapid, weak pulse.”

For all the coders and healthcare professionals reading this, the above should have a huge impact on you. For all the finance people reading, you may well soon be arguing claim reimbursement with Chat GPT.

All I can say is I hope that Chat GPT can’t do consulting – or can it?

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Timothy Powell, CPA, CHCP

Timothy Powell is a nationally recognized expert on regulatory matters, including the False Claims Act, Zone Program Integrity Contractor (ZPIC) audits, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) compliance. He is a member of the RACmonitor editorial board and a national correspondent for Monitor Mondays.

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