What is 'retrospective coding'?

Retrospective coding refers to the assignment of codes to patient records after care has been provided, typically for the purpose of accurate billing and record-keeping. This process involves reviewing medical documentation to ensure that diagnoses, procedures, and services rendered during a patient's care are reflected accurately in the coding assigned.

This practice is essential for various reasons, including ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, achieving appropriate reimbursement from payers, and maintaining accurate health records. Retrospective coding helps in analyzing the quality of care and outcomes after treatment, providing valuable data for future healthcare decisions and administrative planning.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects such as predicting future coding needs, minimizing errors in a proactive way, or coding for preventive services, none of which align with the fundamental definition of retrospective coding.