CPT (current procedure terminology) coding and patient accounting: controlling the process and improving billing efficiency.

As outpatient volumes increase in hospitals across the country, more and more coding responsibilities are being placed with the patient accounts department. Both registration and outpatient billers are involved in assigning current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for surgery and emergency room procedures, as well as maintaining the hospital's chargemaster. Often these responsibilities are assigned without regard for the level of coding expertise and degree of clinical knowledge of the personnel involved, which can lead to significant loss of reimbursement and untimely billing delays. This article addresses common problems and offers suggestions for improving coding, minimizing problems, and increasing billing efficiency.