Coding for beginners

Palga’s database is unique. This is partly due to the fact that since 1991, one or more diagnostic coding lines have been assigned to each report by the pathologist, consisting of a combination of diagnostic terms (localisation, method, abnormality) from the Palga Thesaurus. The Thesaurus was originally based on the 1982 edition of the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED). The quality of the database, however, is highly dependent on the quality of the data that is entered. This is why Palga offers an online coding course for pathologists in training and anyone else involved in the coding process at a pathology lab.  

Who is the course for?

The course is intended for both new and experienced users of Palga’s database, especially pathology assistants in training. Participants gain insight into the ‘how and why’ of coding Palga diagnoses with the aid of the Thesaurus. Anyone who wants to learn more about this is welcome, as is anyone who wants to refresh or expand their knowledge.

For those who prefer in-person classes and those who want to take a more in-depth look at specific topics, we offer an interactive face-to-face course once a year. This coding course is taught by Dr Loes van Velthuysen, Palga’s Thesaurus manager and a pathologist at Erasmus MC. The relationship between the Palga codes and SNOMED-CT is also discussed during this course. The latter is an international terminology system supported by the Dutch government, which aims to ensure the consistent use of terminology in data exchanges, both nationally and internationally.

Participation is free

The National Pathology Council has made this course mandatory for pathologists in training. The course, which is taught online and in person, is accredited and is worth 2 continuing education points.

If you pass the final exam, you will receive a certificate as proof of participation.

Both the online and face-to-face version of the course are free.

The e-learning environment has been moved and can be accessed via this link. New course participants can also sign up here. If you already have an account, you will need to reactivate it to use the new environment. To do this, please send an email to thesaurus@palga.nl.

Cancellation policy

If you signed up for the in-person course and are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. You can also give your spot to someone else.

Questions and comments

If you have any questions or comments about coding or the Thesaurus, please send them to thesaurus@palga.nl

Guidelines

- NVVP Cervix coding prescription (April 2022)
- Coding manual 2008