What does documentation accuracy ensure in medical coding?

Documentation accuracy is essential in medical coding because it ensures compliance with insurance requirements. Accurate documentation reflects the services provided and the patient's medical condition, which is critical for coding diagnoses and procedures correctly. This alignment is necessary to support claims submitted to insurance companies, as it verifies the legitimacy of the services billed. Accurate coding also facilitates proper reimbursement, minimizes claim denials, and protects against audits or legal issues.

While the other options may have some indirect connections to documentation accuracy, they do not directly address the core function of medical coding compliance. Higher patient satisfaction, for instance, can be a result of various factors, while minimizing administrative costs and increasing hospital admissions are outcomes that stem from efficient coding practices rather than the primary goal of compliance with insurance regulations.