The standardization process can improve the efficiency of coding by
promoting the level of productivity. It can eliminate the chances of
inefficiencies in the context of coding. By focusing on
standardization, it is possible to remove any kind of ambiguity, which
can increase the quality by offering better quality control. When
users leverage standardization while coding, they are able to
accomplish tasks in a more efficient manner. The level of efficiency is
boosted because of the fact that there exist fewer quality control
challenges and issues. It also enhances the level of consistency
(Piedade et al., 2020). In the healthcare context, the standardization
of codes is considered highly critical as it can directly influence the
efficiency in the processes. There exists a considerable difference
between the standardization of inpatient and outpatient coding.
In inpatient coding, the objective is to report a patient’s diagnosis as
well as services based on the duration of the stay. The
standardization is done by using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for the
purpose of billing. For reimbursement purpose, ICD-10-PCS is used
as the procedural coding system. Standardization ensures that the
suitable codes area followed and accurate coding protocols are
followed when a patient is admitted in a healthcare facility (Basic
medical coding - ICS canada, 2021). However, in the context of
outpatient coding, the process is different because it involves a
patient who is being treated but is not admitted to the facility for a
specific duration of stay. The outpatient coding that is used is based
upon the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for billing purposes. For
reporting accurate procurements, a CPT or HCPCS is used. The role
of documentation is of paramount importance in the case of
outpatient coding (CPT E/M Office revisions | AMA - American
medical association, 2021). The effective use of standardization with
both inpatient and outpatient coding is considered to be extremely
critical as it can impact the accuracy and consistency in the coding
processes.
References
Basic medical coding - ICS canada. (2021). Retrieved January 21,
2022, from
https://www.icslearn.ca/~/media/files/pdf/samplelessons/582-
basic-medical-coding.pdf?la=en
CPT E/M Office revisions | AMA - American medical association.
(2021). Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.ama-
assn.org/system/files/2019-06/cpt-revised-mdm-grid.pdf
Piedade, E. de sousa, & Brown, J. (2020, November 13). Why process
standardization improves quality, productivity, and morale: Process
street: Checklist, Workflow and SOP software. Process Street.
Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.process.st/process-
standardization/#:~:text=Standardization%20promotes
%20productivity%20by%20eliminating,correctly%20the%20first
%20time%20around.%20In
