Which of the following systems is primarily used for outpatient procedure coding?

The coding system primarily used for outpatient procedure coding is the Current Procedural Terminology, known as CPT. This system provides a standardized list of codes to document medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures performed by healthcare providers. The CPT coding system offers detailed descriptions of specific outpatient services, which assists in billing and ensures proper reimbursement for those services.

While ICD codes are used primarily for diagnosing conditions and are essential in both inpatient and outpatient settings, they do not cover the specifics of procedures. HCPCS, or the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, includes codes for products, supplies, and services not covered by CPT, such as ambulance services and some durable medical equipment. Although all three systems are important in healthcare coding, CPT is specifically designed for coding outpatient procedures, making it the correct choice for this question.

Understanding this distinction helps emphasize the role each coding system plays in the healthcare environment, with CPT being the go-to for documenting outpatient services.