Brief Communication

Abstract

The applicability of the ICD E code as a causal indicator of nonfatal injuries has been criticized. New codes have been developed to replace the ICD codes. We compared the coding reliability of the ICD E and place vs. the Nordic mechanism (M) and place codes. The mean accuracy (76 vs. 70%) ( p < 0.002) and the intercoder reliability (84 vs. 69%) ( p < 0.001) were better for the E than M code. The accuracy of the place codes was the same (83%). A short training improved ( p < 0.001) the accuracy of all four codes. The replacement of the E code with the M code would not improve the reliability of data on causes of injuries.