Do administrative data algorithms accurately identify atrial fibrillation?
While ICD-9 code 427.31 performs relatively well for identifying atrial fibrillation, contemporary algorithms incorporating both inpatient/outpatient codes and electronic ECG data are needed.
The ICD-9 code 427.31 performed relatively well, but conclusions about algorithm validity are hindered by few recent data, use of nonrepresentative populations, and a disproportionate focus on inpatient data. An optimal contemporary algorithm would likely draw on inpatient and outpatient codes and electronic ECG data. Additional research is needed in representative, contemporary populations regarding algorithms that identify incident AF and incorporate electronic ECG data.
Jensen et al. (2012) studied this question.