Code Assist: Modernizing Trauma Diagnosis Coding 

Trauma coding shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Yet many trauma programs still rely on legacy registry software requiring registrars to juggle manual lookups, crosswalk spreadsheets, coding manuals, and multiple browser tabs – just to complete a single record.  

The process drains time, increases administrative burden, and opens the door to inconsistent coding and avoidable errors. 

Those unintentional mistakes can carry real consequences: 

• Data submission issues that jeopardize NTDB/TQIP acceptance and compliance 

• Skewed registry data that weakens performance improvement (PI) efforts 

• Billing and reimbursement problems 

• Rework that steals hours from already stretched teams 

Registrars told us they needed a smarter approach. We listened.

What is Code Assist 

ESO combined the familiar functionality of DI V5 Tricoder with AI-powered accuracy and trauma registrar expertise. The result is a new feature in ESO Patient Registry: Code Assist. 

Designed for trauma professionals by trauma professionals, Code Assist helps trauma registrars code faster and more accurately by suggesting relevant ICD-10 and AIS 2015/2008 codes directly inside ESO Patient Registry.  

Registrars type the diagnosis narrative, and the tool analyzes the text to propose matching codes with confidence indicators and notes. Users review, select, and add the correct codes in one screen – without bouncing between resources or slowing down. 

No external manuals. No multi-tab searches. No guesswork.  

How Code Assist works 

Code Assist fits naturally into your existing workflow with an intuitive process: 

1. Enter each diagnosis on a separate line in the narrative field. 

1. Code Assist generates about 10 ranked code options for ICD-10 and AIS 2015/2008 per diagnosis in a single screen. 

1. Review the confidence score and notes for context. 

1. Click “Add Code” to select, adjust if needed, and rerun. 

1. Changes sync automatically to the patient record. 

The software recommends codes, but your clinical knowledge and professional judgment guide the final selection. You remain in control.  

How it’s helping 

Early feedback from beta testers speaks volumes. 

Trauma registrars report a 70–75% reduction in coding time, especially for complex cases. For example, a record that previously required 60 minutes took about 15 minutes with Code Assist. 

Test teams also experience: 

• Higher accuracy and greater confidence in code selection 

• Easier access to both ICD-10 and AIS 2015 code sets in one place 

• Smoother abstraction for newer staff and cross-trained team members 

• Fewer submission corrections and audit-driven rework 

Forget accessing coding manuals, digging through notes, or maintaining deep coding knowledge to get a suggested list of codes.  

Code Assist means less time digging, more time abstracting, and stronger data as a result.  

“I used [Code Assist] on a few charts and I’m impressed! I really like that it’s not a 1:1 coding tool and allows the users to choose the desired codes. Nice job on the coding tool, ESO!” – Mary Brumley, CAISS, CSTR, Trauma Coder Analyst, Trauma Services, OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital  

Enable Code Assist 

Code Assist is included for current ESO Patient Registry users at no additional cost. Your registry admin can enable Code Assist in Registry Admin and publish the template. ESO Patient Registry users can find the Code Assist user guide with instructions on how to enable it, plus some additional resources, on the ESO site. [link: https://esosolutions.atlassian.net/wiki/external/ZWQxOWYzMDliMzhkNGVjOTgxMGM2YWNiYTRhMWY1NDU] 

Current ESO Patient Registry users can: 

1. Enable Code Assist in Registry Admin
2. Publish the updated template
3. Start using it immediately

ESO Patient Registry already automates data submissions and streamlines workflows. By simply enabling Code Assist, you gain clearer, more trustworthy data that helps you spot trends, support PI efforts, and walk into reviews with confidence.

Start your upgrade 

If your trauma program still uses legacy registry software, upgrading to ESO Patient Registry unlocks Code Assist along with other modern workflow improvements. This feature becomes part of your ESO Patient Registry experience once you complete the upgrade. Start your upgrade at eso.com/patient-upgrade. 

Make the move and give your registrars the tools to code faster, reduce rework, and keep your program audit-ready year-round.