Define 'outpatient coding.'

Outpatient coding refers specifically to the process of assigning codes for healthcare services provided to non-admitted patients. This includes a variety of encounters such as those received in outpatient clinics, physician offices, and outpatient surgical centers. Unlike inpatient coding, which deals with services for patients who are formally admitted to a healthcare facility, outpatient coding focuses on patients who are treated and released from these facilities within the same day.

This distinction is important because the coding guidelines, systems, and reimbursement processes often differ significantly between inpatient and outpatient settings. The outpatient coding process ensures that organizations accurately capture the services rendered, which is essential for billing, reporting, and compliance with healthcare regulations. By assigning the correct codes to the services provided to these non-admitted patients, healthcare providers can ensure proper reimbursement and maintain accurate patient records.

Understanding this definition helps clarify the role of outpatient coding in the broader context of healthcare administration and financial management.