Which coding system is used primarily for inpatient hospital settings?

The coding system utilized primarily for inpatient hospital settings is ICD-10-PCS. This coding system was specifically designed for the reporting of procedures performed during hospital inpatient stays. It includes detailed codes that accurately describe surgical interventions, diagnostic tests, and other procedures administered in hospital environments.

ICD-10-PCS codes are alphanumeric and consist of seven characters, which represent specific components of procedures, such as the body system, root operation, and the specific procedure performed. This level of detail is essential for accurate billing and data collection for inpatient care.

In contrast, ICD-10-CM is more focused on outpatient settings and primarily codes diagnoses, while Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is mainly used for outpatient services, reporting physician services and other procedures. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is often used for items and services not covered by CPT, such as durable medical equipment. However, none of these coding systems provide the specificity needed for inpatient procedure reporting that is found in ICD-10-PCS.