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?