Inaccuracies in ICD-9 and CPT codes, Research Paper Example

Making the claims of reimbursement is best facilitated by two systems of coding. The first one facilitates in the identification of the physical state or the disease of the patient called the ICD-9. The second one gives an account of the procedures, the services as well as the supplies that have been accorded to the patient, called the “Current Procedural Terminology”, CPT code. At times, coding errors in medical information is unavoidable. It is however important to make sure that such situations are to a greater extent controlled to avoid the possible embarrassments to the patient and the business as a whole. Improper billing that result from inaccuracies in the assignment of ICD-9 and CPT codes can create disasters (International Classification of Diseases, 2003)

The use of correct codes should be taken seriously during diagnosis for the benefit of the patient and the entire pharmaceutical facility. Inaccuracies in the assignment of ICD-9 and CPT codes are likely to affect the patient as well as the healthcare facility. If for any reason is given a bill that was supposed to be covered and company offering health insurance the patient about the failure of the healthcare facility to bill the rightful ICD-9 codes, the patient has all the rights to question the physicians, the company offering medical equipments and the pharmacy concerning the level of inadequacy in addition to the incorrect billing (Lloyd & Rissing, 1330–6). The service provider is also likely to server because the patient can seek for services from an alternative facility. Proper billing ensures that the insurance company reimburses the health care providers accordingly and the patients are assured that their interests are keenly addressed by both the health care providers and their insurance companies.

Works cited

International Classification of Diseases, 10^th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) 2003.

Lloyd SS, & Rissing JP. “Physician & Coding Errors in Patient Records.” Journal of the American Medical Association, 254(10):1330–6, 1985.