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Introduction: This module introduces learners to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) coding system and its relevance to patient care, billing, and public health. Knowledge of this coding system is critical for residents about to enter independent practice. Methods: This case was developed for internal medicine residents at all levels of training and was delivered in three 50-minute sessions. Associated materials include a test given before and after the module, the answer key to that test, the clinical case and associated learning objectives, a faculty guide, and an evaluation form. This module features a simulated patient encounter in an electronic health record, the details of which are given in the faculty guide. Results: Eighty-eight percent of learners reported that they found this exercise useful, and there was a significant improvement in posttest scores after completion. Ninety-four percent of learners reported a commitment to using appropriate ICD-10-CM codes in their own practice after completion of the exercise. Discussion: This effective module has been integrated into our ambulatory curriculum. Knowledge of ICD-10-CM coding allows physicians to document specifically and appropriately as they move forward in their practice.

We reviewed the body-temperature patterns of 140 children ages 2 to 24 months who had fever > or = 39.0 degrees C, received acetaminophen 10 to 15 mg/kg, and had their temperatures remeasured 60 to 90 min later. The children comprised three groups: 22 had bacterial meningitis; 59, isolated bacteremia; and 59, nonbacterial febrile illness. Percentages of patients who became afebrile (temperature < 38.0 degrees C) after receiving acetaminophen were not significantly different among the three groups. Differences in mean temperature decrease after antipyretic was given were significant within each group but not between groups. An inverse relation (P < .004) between patient age and magnitude of temperature was revealed by the following formula: degrees C of defervescence = 1.66 - (0.028 x patient age in months). Thus, highly febrile young children with and without invasive bacterial infections who receive a therapeutic dose of acetaminophen experience a significant temperature drop after 60 to 90 min but do not commonly defervesce to an afebrile state. The degree of defervescence is age-dependent and does not distinguish between infectious outcomes.