Definition of Medical Coding
The act of transforming medical information from patient records, such as diagnoses, procedures, and treatments, into generally recognized alphanumeric codes is known as medical coding. These codes are standardized and serve a variety of important tasks in the healthcare system. They enable the retrieval and analysis of healthcare data for research and statistical reasons, as well as the accurate documentation of patient treatment, proper invoicing and reimbursement.
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is generally used for diagnosis, and the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is used for operations. Medical coders perform an important role in ensuring that healthcare information is accurately and consistently represented, hence facilitating effective communication among healthcare practitioners, insurers, and regulatory bodies.
