Term: Primary Diagnosis

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-06-02

Definition:

Also known as the "most responsible diagnosis", this is the discharge diagnosis most responsible for the length of a patient's hospital stay. Used in Canada. Studies have shown a 98% equivalence rate for AMI, comparing with the term "principal diagnosis" that is used in the United States.

Manitoba Health Services Commission considers the primary diagnosis to be an important condition of the patient which usually has a significant influence on the patient's length of stay and/or significantly influences the management/treatment of the patient while in hospital.

Related concepts 

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

Related terms 

• Avoidable Hospitalization For Immunizable and Preventable Infections
• Most Responsible Diagnosis
• Principal Diagnosis

References 

• Tu JV, Austin PC, Walld R, Roos L, Agras J, McDonald KM. Development and validation of the Ontario acute myocardial infarction mortality prediction rules. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;37(4):992-997. [Abstract] (View)