Which document outlines the rules for coding and reporting medical services?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is the authoritative resource for coding and reporting medical services and procedures. It is developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA), providing a standardized collection of codes that represent thousands of medical procedures and services. The purpose of CPT is to facilitate uniform reporting and communication among healthcare providers, insurers, and other stakeholders, ensuring clarity and consistency in billing and coding practices.

CPT codes are essential for accurately capturing the services rendered during patient encounters, which is critical in the healthcare reimbursement process. Coders rely on CPT to determine the correct codes based on the services provided, making it a pivotal resource in medical coding and billing.

Other documents mentioned, while relevant to various aspects of healthcare, do not specifically outline coding and reporting rules in the same comprehensive manner as CPT. For instance, a Coding Compliance Manual may provide guidance on best practices and compliance issues, but it does not serve primarily as a coding reference. The Healthcare Financial Management Handbook focuses on managing financial aspects of healthcare organizations, and Medical Coding Guidelines can reference coding practices but lack the standardized coding system that CPT offers.