According to best practices, what should you avoid when coding?

In the context of coding practices, coding directly from the index is generally advised against because the index is designed to help coders locate relevant terms and codes but does not provide the complete clinical picture or necessary details required for accurate coding. Relying solely on the index can lead to misinterpretation or omission of critical information that might be found in the full documentation of the patient's medical record.

The best practice involves reviewing the full patient file to understand the complete context of the diagnosis or procedure, ensuring that the codes selected accurately reflect what is documented. By cross-referencing both the index and the full text of the patient’s medical record, coders can avoid errors that may arise from incomplete information. This careful approach ensures accuracy and compliance with coding guidelines, ultimately supporting appropriate healthcare billing and reporting.