Which coding system is primarily used for billing and reimbursement in healthcare?

The correct choice for the coding system primarily used for billing and reimbursement in healthcare is the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). CPT codes are a set of medical codes maintained by the American Medical Association, which describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. They are essential for billing since they provide a uniform language that encompasses a wide array of healthcare services, thereby facilitating effective communication between healthcare providers and insurers.

The CPT coding system is particularly integral to the reimbursement process because it details the procedures and services rendered to patients, allowing healthcare providers to receive payment for their services. Each code corresponds to a specific service, ensuring accurate billing based on the services that were actually performed.

While the other coding systems also play roles in the healthcare billing process, they are utilized for different purposes. The ICD-10 coding system is focused on diagnosis coding, capturing the medical necessity for the services provided rather than the specific services themselves. The Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system is used primarily in inpatient hospital settings to determine the payment amount based on the diagnosis and treatment, rather than detailing each service performed. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) includes codes for non-physician services, but it encompasses a more limited range of services compared to CPT codes.