Which professional assigns codes for diagnoses and procedures?

Which professional assigns codes for diagnoses and procedures?

• A. Medical Coder
• B. Health Information Administrator
• C. Medical Biller/Coder
• D. Dental Hygienist

Answer: (A)

Coding is the process of turning clinical information into standardized codes used for billing and records. A medical coder is the professional who assigns those codes to diagnoses and procedures after reviewing the patient's chart, physician notes, and test results. These codes come from established coding systems like ICD-10-CM for diagnoses and CPT/HCPCS for procedures, and they ensure consistent communication, proper reimbursement, and accurate medical records. A health information administrator oversees the management and governance of the records themselves, not the actual coding. A medical biller/coder may perform both tasks in some settings, but the act of assigning codes is the primary duty of a medical coder. A dental hygienist provides clinical oral health care and does not code diagnoses or procedures.

Coding is the process of turning clinical information into standardized codes used for billing and records. A medical coder is the professional who assigns those codes to diagnoses and procedures after reviewing the patient's chart, physician notes, and test results. These codes come from established coding systems like ICD-10-CM for diagnoses and CPT/HCPCS for procedures, and they ensure consistent communication, proper reimbursement, and accurate medical records. A health information administrator oversees the management and governance of the records themselves, not the actual coding. A medical biller/coder may perform both tasks in some settings, but the act of assigning codes is the primary duty of a medical coder. A dental hygienist provides clinical oral health care and does not code diagnoses or procedures.