Compare and contrast coding from inpatient/outpatient coding guidelines. 

Coding Project 1| Nursing homework help

To accurately document and categorize medical services in healthcare settings, guidelines for inpatient and outpatient codes are followed. These two types of coding differ primarily in terms of the care being provided. Inpatient coding is used for patients who have been admitted to a hospital or other facility whereas outpatient coding applies to those receiving care on an outpatient basis such as at a doctor’s office or clinic.

Each set of codes has to adhere certain standards, such as those of the International Classification of Diseases. There can, however, be subtle differences. Inpatient codes, for example, often need more information about the patient’s history and their treatment plan than outpatient codes due to hospital stays being longer. Many insurance companies impose specific rules regarding reimbursement, which can vary depending upon whether the services were provided inpatiently or on an outpatient basis. Coders and billers should be familiarized with both codes in order to capture the necessary information within documentation.