Final answer:
Coding of procedures and diagnoses is backed by the patient's medical record, which includes essential information for medical coders and billers. ICD codes are used to facilitate laboratory testing, prescribing treatments, billing, and tracking health statistics. They are found in health records and lab requests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coding of procedures and diagnoses must be supported by the patient's medical record. Medical coding and billing involve using standardized codes, such as ICD (International Classification of Diseases) codes, to document and communicate medical conditions and procedures accurately. These codes are critical for a variety of purposes within the healthcare system.
For example, a patient seeking treatment for a viral infection would have an ICD code associated with their medical record. Clinicians use this code to order appropriate laboratory tests and prescribe treatments. Medical laboratories rely on the ICD code to determine which tests are necessary for confirming the diagnosis. Furthermore, health-care management systems use these codes to ensure that treatments and laboratory work are suitable for the identified virus. In medical coding, professionals assign the correct codes based on the information found in the patient's medical record, and medical billers process reimbursement claims with insurance companies using these codes.