Causes of Death and Certification

Bonnie Specker, an epidemiologist, provides an update on COVID-19 and explains how causes of death are determined and coded. She discusses the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the process of certifying deaths, particularly in relation to COVID-19. The video includes examples of death certification scenarios and concludes with an invitation for community engagement.

Who is Bonnie Specker?

• A journalist

• A COVID-19 patient

• An epidemiologist from South Dakota State University

• A local politician

What is the main purpose of the Epi 101 lesson?

• To discuss the latest COVID-19 treatments

• To explain how causes of death are determined and coded

• To provide a history of pandemics

• To teach about vaccine development

What does ICD stand for?

• Internal Coding of Diseases

• International Council of Doctors

• International Code of Diseases

• International Classification of Diseases

Who can determine the cause of death in South Dakota?

• Only the county coroner

• Only a licensed physician

• A physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner

• Any medical student

What is required for COVID-19 to be listed as a cause of death?

• A positive COVID-19 test

• A history of travel

• A doctor's suspicion

• A family member's statement

What can be listed in Part Two of a death certificate?

• Contributing conditions

• Underlying cause of death

• Immediate cause of death

• Date of birth

In the first scenario, what was the immediate cause of death?

• Stroke

• Heart attack

• Acute respiratory acidosis

• COVID-19

In the second scenario, what led to the acute respiratory distress syndrome?

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Viral pneumonia

• Asthma

What was the probable cause of death in the third scenario?

• Confirmed COVID-19

• Probable COVID-19

• Cancer

• Heart failure

What condition contributed to the death in the third scenario?

• Hypertension

• Ischemic stroke

• Diabetes

• Asthma