Term: Most Responsible Diagnosis

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2007-09-26

Definition:

The one diagnosis which describes the most significant condition of a patient which causes his/her stay in hospital. In cases where multiple diagnoses may be classified as "most responsible", the diagnosis causing the greatest length of stay (LOS) is coded as "most responsible" on the hospital discharge abstract. The most responsible diagnosis may not necessarily be the same as the admitting diagnosis. Several studies have shown similarities between this diagnosis, principal diagnosis, and primary diagnosis.

Related concepts 

• International Classification of Disease (ICD) Coding in MCHP Data

Related terms 

• Admission Diagnosis
• Causes of Hospital Days Used
• Causes of Hospitalization / Causes of Inpatient Hospitalization (Acute Care)
• Diagnosis
• Discharge Diagnosis
• Hospital Abstracts Data
• Influenza-Associated Illnesses
• Length of Stay (LOS)
• Long-Stay Days by Cause
• Medical Case
• Medical Claims
• Medical Days
• Medical Separation
• Pregnancy and Birth Service Type
• Primary Diagnosis
• Primary Service Code
• Principal Diagnosis
• Service Type - In Hospital
• Surgical Days

References 

• Manitoba Health Services Commission. Hospital Abstract User Manual. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Health Services, Commission; 2000. 0-0.(View)

Term used in 

• Fransoo R, Martens P, The Need to Know Team, Prior H, Burchill C, Koseva I, Rajotte L. Who is in our Hospitals.and why? Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2013. [Report] [Summary] [Additional Materials] (View)
• Garland A, Fransoo R, Olafson K, Ramsey C, Yogendran M, Chateau D, McGowan K. The Epidemiology and Outcomes of Critical Illness in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] (View)