Final answer:
HIPAA mandates the use of ICD-10-CM codes in the healthcare industry to ensure the protection of patient information. These codes serve multiple functions in different healthcare-related settings such as medical laboratories and healthcare management systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of ICD-10-CM codes in the healthcare industry is mandated by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which was passed into law in 1996. HIPAA sets the standards for the protection of patient information and the confidentiality of patient records. Using ICD codes helps streamline many processes such as ordering laboratory tests for a viral infection, ensuring treatments match the diagnosis, and processing insurance claims.
Two locations where one would likely find an ICD code include medical laboratories where tests are performed to confirm diagnoses, and in the healthcare management systems where treatments and laboratory work are verified for appropriateness. Also, medical coders use these codes to assign the correct codes for procedures, while medical billers use them to process claims for insurance reimbursement.