Which coding system is primarily used for inpatient hospital procedures?

The coding system that is primarily used for inpatient hospital procedures is ICD-10-PCS. This system was specifically developed to provide a standardized method of coding for procedures performed in hospital inpatient settings. ICD-10-PCS includes codes for various surgical and procedural interventions, enabling comprehensive documentation and billing for healthcare services delivered during a patient's stay in the hospital.

ICD-10-PCS utilizes a unique alphanumeric structure that allows for a high level of specificity in describing procedures. Each code can represent different aspects of a procedure, including the body part involved, the approach taken, and the type of procedure performed. This level of detail is essential for accurately capturing the complexity of inpatient services and ensuring proper reimbursement.

While other coding systems like CPT and HCPCS Level II are used for outpatient services and specific types of healthcare claims, they do not cover inpatient hospital procedures in the same way. ICD-10-CM is primarily used for diagnoses rather than procedures. Therefore, ICD-10-PCS is the correct choice when identifying the coding system specifically tailored for inpatient hospital procedures.