Code ranges

Assortment of procedure code numbers that belong to the same general category that appear in the “Index,” which is the last section of the annually published Current Procedural Terminology code book. Whenever more than one code applies to a given index entry, a code range is listed. If several nonsequential codes apply, they are separated by a comma:EsophagusReconstruction… … . 43300, 43310, 43313If two or more sequential codes apply, they are separated by a hyphen:DebridementBurns… … . . 01951-01953, 16010-16030

Code set

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), this is any set of codes used to encode data elements such as tables of terms, medical concepts, medical diagnostic codes, or medical procedure codes. This includes both the codes and their descriptions.

Coder

Trained individual who has obtained a skill in classifying medical data from patient records. A coder translates the written diagnoses, treatments, and procedures into numeric and alphanumeric codes for submission on insurance claims to insurance carriers for reimbursement. In medical office settings, the coder may extract these data from patient encounter forms and patient records.

Coding

1. Process of translating written descriptions into numerical and alphanumerical codes. 2. Choosing codes from numerical and alphanumerical systems that identify and describe a patient’s diagnosis, as well as medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services such as ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS.
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A method of putting information into a numerical form for statistical us. Most information on policies is coded and then put into reports.

Coding conventions

Rules or principles for determining a diagnostic code when using diagnostic code books such as each space, typefaces, indentations, punctuation marks, instructional notes, abbreviations, cross-reference notes, and specific usage of the words and, with, and due to. These rules assist in the selection of correct codes for the diagnoses encountered. Also see conventions.

Coding guidelines

1. Official policies published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that tell how procedure codes are to be assigned by providers when submitting insurance claims for patients who have received medical services. 2. Official rules for assigning ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes to patients’ conditions of illnesses, injuries, and diseases.