View source for PTF

== Patient Treatment File Hospital data. ([[PTF~|PTF]]) ==
The [[PTF~|PTF]] files are analogous to hospital discharge abstracts and include basic
demographic data as well as principal, primary, and nine secondary ICD-9-CM
codes. In the VA, the primary diagnosis code refers to the condition that
accounted for the majority of the hospital stay. The principal diagnosis
code, which was added in FY1997, refers to the diagnosis that led to
hospitalization. In addition to the main [[PTF~|PTF]] file, surgeries and procedures
files are also available. The surgeries file contains ICD-9-CM procedure
codes for surgical procedures (e.g., coronary artery bypass surgery)
performed in the operating room, whereas the procedures file includes codes
(e.g., cardiac catheterization) for procedures performed outside the
operating room. The surgeries file has an observation for each surgery
performed during an episode of care, and up to five codes per surgery may be
listed. The procedures file includes an observation for each day procedures
occurred during the hospitalization, and up to five procedures may be listed.
There is a maximum of 32 observations per hospitalization or episode of care
resulting in a maximum of 160 procedure codes. In addition to hospital or
acute care, the [[PTF~|PTF]] includes extended care (VA nursing home), observation
(outpatient surgery), and non-VA care (care provided in facilities with which
the VA contracts).


Note: I don't think there is a maximum limit of observations (ie: 32) in a VistA
system.