Applying large language model artificial intelligence for retina International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding

Abstract

Background: Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have emerged as a potentially powerful application in medicine. One of these strengths is the ability for ChatGPT to analyze text and to perform certain tasks. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes are universally utilized in medicine and have served as a uniform platform for insurance and billing. However, the task of coding ICDs after each patient encounter is time-consuming on physicians, particularly in fast paced clinics such as retina clinics. Additionally, searching for the most specific, correct ICD code may add additional time, resulting in providers electing for more general ICD codes. LLMs may help to relieve this burden by analyzing notes written by a provider and automatically generate an ICD code that can be used for the encounter.