Question

What does it mean to unbundle procedural codes?

O to separate components of a service and bill each separately
O to code to a lower specificity than is necessary
O to use a code from the wrong anatomic category
O to link the code to the wrong diagnosis

Answer 1

Unbundling procedural codes means to separate components of a medical service and bill each one separately.

Therefore, the correct answer is: option "to separate components of a service and bill each separately"

Step-by-step explanation:

When procedural codes are unbundled, each step of a procedure is charged independently, which might inappropriately increase the cost to the payer. This is instead of using a single comprehensive code that represents a group of related procedures that are usually performed together in a standard treatment.

It is essential for healthcare professionals to avoid unintentional unbundling, as it can be seen as fraudulent and lead to penalties. Proper coding practices require using the most accurate and specific codes available to describe the medical services provided, without misrepresenting the complexity or components of the service.

In the context of the question, the correct meaning of unbundling procedural codes is 'to separate components of a service and bill each separately.'