What coding system is used for inpatient hospital services?

The coding system used for inpatient hospital services is ICD-10-PCS (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System). This system is specifically designed to capture procedural information for inpatient settings, allowing for detailed descriptions of surgical procedures and other medical interventions performed during a hospital stay.

ICD-10-PCS provides a comprehensive framework that includes a wide array of codes for various procedures, which aids in the accurate billing, statistical analysis, and research on inpatient hospital services. It encompasses a greater specificity and complexity compared to its predecessor, ICD-9-CM, facilitating improved data reporting and health management practices.

In contrast, the other coding systems focus on different aspects of healthcare coding. ICD-9-CM was used historically for both diagnosis and procedure coding but has largely been replaced by ICD-10 systems. CPT is primarily utilized for outpatient services and procedures performed by healthcare providers, not inpatient hospital services. HCPCS is typically used for coding services, procedures, and items not covered by CPT, including certain drugs and durable medical equipment, making it less directly applicable to inpatient procedures. Thus, ICD-10-PCS is the correct choice for accurately coding inpatient hospital services.