Which statement is true regarding the coding of outpatient settings?

The coding of outpatient settings utilizes different criteria than inpatient coding due to the nature of the healthcare services provided in each setting. Outpatient coding focuses on visits, procedures, and treatments provided to patients who are not admitted to a hospital, often involving a more comprehensive assessment of individual encounters. In contrast, inpatient coding must consider the entire hospitalization, including reasons for admission, complications, and other aspects of care that occur over a longer period of time.

Different coding systems and guidelines are applied, such as the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for outpatient services, which document specific procedures and services provided during visits. This nuanced approach ensures that the nuances of both outpatient and inpatient care are accurately captured for billing and medical record-keeping.