Inpatient Coding Vs. Outpatient Coding: Key Differences
Hospital billing and coding is a complex and time-consuming task. Many people working at the hospital ensure everything is well organized and systematic. Everything is a challenge, from the patient billing process to the reimbursement process. In fact, coding serves many functions, ranging from retrieving to reporting information based on diagnosis and procedure. One of the most critical medical billing and coding considerations is whether the patient is an inpatient or an outpatient. To understand the distinction between outpatient and inpatient coding, it is necessary to first comprehend these two terms in depth. Inpatient Coding Vs. Outpatient Coding Meaning The term “inpatient” refers to a patient formally admitted to the hospital on the doctor’s orders. A hospital, rehab facility, nursing home, or long-term care facility may be where the patient is admitted for an extended stay. Staying in the hospital for the night does not automatically make a patient an inpatient. The ter...