Final answer:
The index that includes diagnosis code number order for discharged patients is the Disease index. It catalogs diagnoses based on ICD codes and is crucial for billing, statistical analysis, and healthcare management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The index that includes diagnosis code number order of patients discharged from a healthcare organization during a particular time period is the Disease index. The Disease index is used to catalog diagnoses based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. When a patient is discharged, their diagnosis is coded with an ICD code, which is then used for various purposes such as billing, epidemiological studies, and maintaining health statistics.
For instance, the ICD code for a viral infection would be used by clinicians to order the appropriate laboratory tests and treatments. Medical coders and billers use these codes to ensure that medical services are appropriately charged and reimbursed. The Disease index is an essential tool for managing and accessing patient diagnosis information within a healthcare facility.