E coding: a missing link for injury prevention.

E codes are a practical, detailed, and feasible method of collecting much needed information about trauma morbidity. Emergency care providers are the key to ensuring accurate information because of their ability to obtain specific information from prehospital personnel or family. Charting the information on the emergency record will simplify the task for medical records coders, researchers, epidemiologists, and public health officials. The detailed information used for E codes is not just research trivia, but rather beneficial information for all emergency providers. A specific plan of care can be developed to address the medical and social needs of each patient. This in turn may help to reduce future injuries, whether they are caused by high-risk behaviors or repetitive abuse situations.