Format/length:	annn for OPCS-4, an7 for Clinical Terms (The Read Codes)
HES item:	OPERATN
National Codes:
Default Codes:	X998 - Out-patient procedure carried out but no appropriate OPCS-4 code available
	X999 - No out-patient procedure carried out

Notes:

This is a CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION CODE.

See Clinical Coding Introduction for Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures (OPCS - 4) and Read Coded Clinical Terms.
See the 'Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures (OPCS-4)' and 'Read Coded Clinical Terms' sections within the Clinical Coding page.

Record any operative procedures carried out, such as an endoscopy or electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), as part of the current consultant episode.

Clinical Terms (The Read Codes) (an7) may be used as an optional addition to OPCS-4.

The recording of procedures using OPCS-4 is now optional for the Out-Patient/Ward Attenders CDS. If required, a default procedure code may be used in the first procedure field and subsequent procedure fields space-filled.

The default codes are classified as entries in the Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures Fourth Revision Consolidated Version (OPCS-4).

Where providers locally use OPCS-4 codes with a fifth character added, this should be removed before inclusion in the Commissioning Data Set.

 

This data element is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	PROCEDURE CODINGS