Question

If an EHR's coding software detects a charge that does not match a diagnosis code, it may _________.

1) Generate an error message
2) Ignore the charge
3) Update the diagnosis code
4) D. Request clarification

Answer 1

If an EHR discerns a mismatch between a charge and its corresponding diagnosis code, it typically generates an error message to highlight the discrepancy for review.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an EHR's (Electronic Health Record) coding software detects a charge that does not match a diagnosis code, it may generate an error message. This is because ICD codes (International Classification of Diseases) are used extensively in the healthcare industry to ensure that there is an appropriate match between the diagnoses given to patients and the services billed. Therefore, if there is a mismatch, the coding software is likely to flag this for review.

ICD codes are used by various healthcare professionals and entities. For example, when a patient is treated for a viral infection, clinicians use ICD codes to prescribe treatments, medical laboratories use them to identify necessary tests, and medical billers process insurance claims with these codes. Two locations where you would likely find an ICD code would be on medical laboratory reports used to confirm a diagnosis and on health care management systems that verify treatments and laboratory work done is appropriate for the diagnosed virus.