American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What do outpatient facility coders primarily use for coding?

1. ICD-10 codes

2. CPT and HCPCS codes

3. Mainly diagnostic codes

4. Global surgical packages

The correct answer is: CPT and HCPCS codes

Outpatient facility coders primarily use CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes for coding services provided in an outpatient setting. These coding systems are essential for accurately representing the procedures and services performed by healthcare providers. CPT codes are used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services, while HCPCS codes are utilized for supplies, equipment, and certain other services that may not be covered by CPT. Together, these code sets allow outpatient facility coders to capture and classify a wide range of procedures accurately and ensure appropriate billing and reimbursement. In contrast, ICD-10 codes, although also an important part of healthcare coding, primarily focus on diagnosing patients rather than the specific procedures performed. Diagnostic codes alone do not provide sufficient detail about the services offered to patients in outpatient facilities. Global surgical packages refer to a bundle of services provided during a surgical procedure and are not commonly used for the diverse range of outpatient services, making them less relevant for coders in these settings. Therefore, the use of CPT and HCPCS codes is fundamental in the outpatient coding landscape.