How do ICD codes differ from CPT codes?

ICD codes and CPT codes serve distinct purposes in the medical coding system, which is essential for accurate medical billing, record-keeping, and treatment documentation. ICD codes, or International Classification of Diseases codes, are specifically designed to describe diagnoses, indicating the patient's condition or disease in a standardized format. These codes are crucial for identifying why a patient is receiving care and are used by healthcare providers, researchers, and insurance companies to understand health trends and treatment outcomes.

On the other hand, CPT codes, or Current Procedural Terminology codes, are used to describe the specific procedures and services performed by healthcare providers. These codes allow for detailed documentation of the various services rendered during a patient's visit, such as examinations, surgeries, and other therapeutic processes.

Recognizing this distinction is vital for accurate coding and billing. CPT codes help healthcare providers bill for the services they deliver, while ICD codes are needed for insurance claims to establish the medical necessity of these services. Understanding the separation of their roles ensures that healthcare facilities can maintain compliance with regulatory standards and effectively communicate patient care information.