This blog features:
- MedDRA coding basics
- Finding closest LLT
- Complex examples with finding coding within MedDRA
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- MedDRA coding basics explained
- Finding closest LLT
- Example scenarios of MedDRA coding
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Introduction
This comprehensive guide provide you with coding basics. We enabling coding with real browser view.
This blog have some examples from simple to little complex. We had prepared this different scenarios for better understanding as well.
MedDRA coding basics explained
As we all know the MedDRA has its following hierachial system. So to do the coding with match of the term. Focus should be selecting closest LLT is a task.
Not always excat match would be found and so we go for the most closest LLT.
LLT: Low Level Term
What is closest LLT?
Closest LLT is to finding and selecting very relatable term suitable to the verbatim.
Only verbatim phrases present difficulties in finding the closest LLT.
A reports defined by investigators use direct medical terminology, which simplifies the process.
“Unlock the power of precise medical coding with MedDRA—where clarity meets compliance, ensuring every detail is captured accurately and every patient experience is comprehensively understood.”
Finding closest LLT
Here are a few important points to enhance your accuracy in coding with MedDRA:
- Begin by selecting the keyword from the verbatim text and start your search.
- Use a wildcard, such as
%, before and/or after the keyword to find all related terms. - Use Google effectively to identify alternative terms for the reported verbatim.
- Break down the verbatim into parts. To identify multiple LLTs might be applicable for a single verbatim entry.
- Always prefer current terms and avoid using non-current terms when selecting LLTs.
- Always verify the PT. Where there is confusion between two terms to identify that are distinct or refer to the same.
Example scenarios of MedDRA coding
In the scenarios below, we do progress from simple to complex terms.
While these examples may not make you an expert. They will certainly provide you with a solid understanding and a foundation for developing your expertise through practice.
Auto coding:
Auto-coding refers to where the terminology you wish to code exactly matches with existing terms within MedDRA.
Example:
Patient experienced headache, fever, and constipation following the administration of drug “X.”
In this example:
- Headache
- Fever
- Constipation
are straightforward and direct medical terminologies.
Picking Keywords:
A patient experienced enlargement of spleen after taking drug “X”
In this example, the adverse event term in the verbatim is not completely direct, but it is still relatively easy to identify.
The primary keyword here is “spleen.”
You may find two terms close through this: “Splenomegaly” and “Spleen enlarged.”
Both refer to the same condition. But when selecting the closest LLT, choose “Spleen enlarged” as it is the more direct term.
Split and proceed:
A patient is taking drug “x” for Glaucoma on 01-Jan. On 05-Jan the patient experienced “Red itchy eye”.
The keyword from the verbatim is Red itchy eye.
Although this verbatim appears simple and seems to indirectly correspond to a medical term.
It actually describes two different conditions: Red eye and Itchy eye. Thus, it represents two distinct events combined into a single term.
In this case, “eye” is the primary keyword for searching within MedDRA.
The closest LLTs are: Eye redness and Eye itching.
Combine and code:
The patient reported, “I had an accident and sustained an injury.”
This scenario is somewhat the opposite of Scenario 3.
Although it appears to describe two separate events:
- Accident
- Injury
the specific verbatim combines both terms into a single LLT: Accidental injury.
Therefore, in this case, Accidental injury is the most appropriate term to choose.
Keep eye on specificity:
This scenario highlights the specificity of the reported event.
“Abscess on face“
In this example, the patient has clearly indicated the location of the event.
Whenever the reported verbatim specifies a particular location, make sure to search and code based on that specific detail.
Utilize your analytical skills:
A patient experienced inflammation of spleen after taking drug “X”
The primary keyword here is “spleen.”
You should search using “spleen” and terms related to inflammation.
If you don’t find any relevant terms other than “Splenitis,” then using a search engine like Google can help you find the appropriate medical term to use and code it accordingly.
Clarifying the conditions reported:
A patient experienced increased blood sugar after taking drug “Z” for obesity.
While this might seem straightforward, it often leads to confusion and mistakes. Many might initially code it as “Diabetic increased” or “Diabetes.”
However, if you consider either of these as the closest LLT, you are incorrect.
The appropriate closest LLT is “Blood glucose level increased.”
Avoiding Duplicates:
Referring PT:
Example Term: Metastatic gingival cancer
Although the term is reported as a single entry, it actually includes two specific events. You should split the verbatim and code each event separately.
Ensure that you cross-check the PTs to determine whether they refer to the same or different conditions.
In the example above, it refers to two distinct PTs:
Key takeaways
Always prefer current terms and avoid using non-current terms when selecting LLTs.
Cross-verifying PTs is a good practice to prevent duplicates in event coding.
Effective online searching can help you find the correct term.
Prioritize specificity and thoroughly explore the closest LLTs.
Conclusion
From this above write up you may had some clarity that might light in choosing right term of code with in MedDRA with plenty of similar options to code.
These above scenarios are the easiest examples that we put in display for your easy understanding.
What would you mention that we missed in this write up? Feel free to comment below with what you wish to explore in deep.
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