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The authors developed a computer program for use in report printing as well as data storage and retrieval for the gastrointestinal endoscopy service. This program used IBM PC XT and was written in dBASE III plus language. We applied the automatic SNOMED coding method, which is one of the most efficient and accurate method of computerization of medical data. The working sheet which contained the results of previous endoscopic studies could be printed during registration. The dBASE word processor enabled issuing of the formal report of endoscopic result, and the data storage was carried out during the typewriting of the report. Two kinds of data files were stored in the hard disk; the temporary file contained full informations and the permanent file contained patients identification data and SNOMED code. Searching of a specific case was performed by chart number, patients name, date of study, or SNOMED code within a second. All the cases were arranged by SNOMED codes of procedure, topography and morphology codes. Every new data was copied to the diskette automatically. with which data could be restored in case of hard disk failure. The main advantages of this program in comparison to the large main frame computer system are low price, flexibility and easy accessibility. Based on our experience (including surgical pathology department, radiology, clinical pathology), we assume that this program may fit every endoscopy room where there are less than 20,000 cases per year.
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