OPCS-4

OPCS-4, or the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures, 4th Revision, is a classification system used primarily in the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) to code surgical operations and procedures. It allows for standardized recording and reporting of healthcare interventions, enabling the collection of data for various purposes, including:

• Clinical audit: Reviewing the appropriateness and effectiveness of surgical procedures.
• Resource management: Planning and allocating resources based on the frequency and complexity of different procedures.
• Epidemiological research: Studying the patterns and trends of surgical interventions in the population.
• Healthcare commissioning: Informing decisions about the purchasing and provision of healthcare services.

OPCS-4 provides a hierarchical classification structure, using alphanumeric codes to represent specific operations and procedures. It is updated periodically to reflect changes in surgical practice and technology. The classifications are assigned by trained clinical coders based on information contained in patient records, such as operation notes and discharge summaries. Proper application of OPCS-4 is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable data collection and analysis related to surgical activity within the NHS. The current version being used is often supplemented with local clinical coding standards and guidelines.