Question

What is the definition of medical coding?

1) Translating documentation into numerical/αnumerical codes used to obtain reimbursement.
2) Deciphering explanation of benefits provided by an insurance carrier.
3) Translating documentation into software compatible notes.
4) D) Translating the services a provider performs into documentation.

Answer 1

Medical coding is the process of translating documentation into codes used for reimbursement. ICD codes are commonly used in healthcare to identify tests, assign procedure codes, and process claims. They can be found in medical records and billing documents.

Step-by-step explanation:

The definition of medical coding is the process of translating documentation into numerical/alpha-numerical codes used to obtain reimbursement.

For example, when a patient seeks treatment for a viral infection, ICD codes are routinely used by clinicians to order laboratory tests and prescribe treatments specific to the virus suspected of causing the illness. This ICD code is then used by medical laboratories to identify tests that must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Medical coders use ICD codes to assign the proper code for procedures performed, and medical billers, in turn, use this information to process claims for reimbursement by insurance companies.

ICD codes can be found in two locations: the patient's medical records and the billing documents submitted to insurance companies.