Types of medical coding

5 Types of Medical Coding

by

Types of Medical Coding Explained for Freshers

Medical coding is divided into different types based on patient setting, medical specialty, and coding purpose. Understanding these types helps freshers choose the right career path and answer interview questions confidently.

Types of medical coding

1. Inpatient Medical Coding

Inpatient medical coding is done for patients who are admitted to the hospital for more than 24 hours.

Key points:

  • Used for hospitalized patients

  • Includes detailed diagnoses and procedures

  • More complex than outpatient coding

Coding systems used:

  • ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis)

  • ICD-10-PCS (Procedures)

Common roles:

  • IP Coder

  • IPDRG Coder

2. Outpatient Medical Coding

Outpatient medical coding is for patients who receive treatment without hospital admission.

Key points:

  • Patient is not admitted overnight

  • Less complex compared to inpatient coding

  • High volume of cases

Coding systems used:

  • ICD-10-CM

  • CPT

  • HCPCS Level II

Common roles:

  • OP Coder

  • Clinic Coder

3. Professional (Physician) Coding

Professional coding focuses on services provided by doctors and healthcare professionals.

Key points:

  • Based on physician documentation

  • Used for office visits and consultations

Coding systems used:

  • CPT

  • ICD-10-CM

  • HCPCS

Common roles:

  • Physician Coder

  • E&M Coder

4. Facility Coding

Facility coding is used by hospitals and healthcare facilities for billing facility charges.

Key points:

  • Covers hospital services and resources

  • Different from physician billing

Coding systems used:

  • ICD-10-CM

  • CPT

  • ICD-10-PCS (for inpatient)

5. Risk Adjustment Coding (HCC Coding)

Risk adjustment coding is used mainly for Medicare patients to show disease severity.

Key points:

  • Focuses on chronic conditions

  • Helps calculate patient risk score

Coding systems used:

  • ICD-10-CM

  • HCC model

Common roles:

  • HCC Coder

  • Risk Adjustment Coder

6. IPDRG Medical Coding

IPDRG medical coding is a specialized form of inpatient coding.

Key points:

  • Focuses on Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG)

  • Impacts hospital reimbursement

  • Requires strong anatomy knowledge

Coding systems used:

  • ICD-10-CM

  • ICD-10-PCS

Common roles:

  • IPDRG Coder

  • Inpatient DRG Analyst

7. Ambulatory Surgery Coding (ASC Coding)

ASC coding is used for same-day surgical procedures.

Key points:

  • No overnight stay

  • Focus on surgical services

Coding systems used:

  • CPT

  • ICD-10-CM

  • HCPCS

8. Emergency Department Coding

Emergency coding is done for patients treated in the emergency room.

Key points:

  • Time-sensitive documentation

  • Includes trauma and urgent care

Coding systems used:

  • CPT

  • ICD-10-CM

9. Anesthesia Coding

Anesthesia coding is used for anesthesia services during procedures.

Key points:

  • Based on time and complexity

  • Special anesthesia modifiers used

Coding systems used:

  • CPT

  • Anesthesia modifiers

10. Auditing and Quality Coding

Medical coding auditing ensures accuracy and compliance.

Key points:

  • Reviews coded charts

  • Identifies errors and compliance issues

Common roles:

  • Coding Auditor

  • Quality Analyst

Interview Question You May Get

Q: Which type of medical coding is best for freshers?

Answer:
Outpatient coding, professional coding, and trainee IPDRG roles are good starting points for freshers because they offer training and gradual exposure.

Final Summary

Medical coding has many types, including:

  • Inpatient coding

  • Outpatient coding

  • Professional coding

  • Facility coding

  • Risk adjustment coding

  • IPDRG coding

Each type offers different learning opportunities and career growth paths.

Leave a Comment