Use of a modifier reduces inconsistency in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification

Atilio Barbeito1, Holly A Muir, Tong J Gan

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

In this study, we sought to determine whether there is a significant discrepancy among a group of practitioners when rating pregnant patients using the ASA Physical Status Classification and whether this discrepancy could be resolved with the addition of a modifier for pregnancy. Our results indicate that significant discrepancy occurs and that it is reduced with the use of the modifier, especially when referring to the healthy parturient.

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