Diagnostic Codes
* Purpose: To classify and identify medical diagnoses and conditions.
* Examples:
* ICD-10-CM: International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification, used in the United States.
* ICD-10-PCS: International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System, used in the United States.
* How they work: Each diagnosis has a unique code assigned to it, allowing for standardized communication and tracking of health data.
Procedural Codes
* Purpose: To classify and identify medical procedures and services.
* Examples:
* CPT Codes: Current Procedural Terminology, used in the United States.
* HCPCS Level II: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, Level II, used for non-physician services and supplies.
* How they work: Each procedure or service has a unique code, allowing for proper billing and reimbursement.
Key Differences:
* Focus: Diagnostic codes focus on *what* is wrong with the patient, while procedural codes focus on *what* was done to the patient.
* Billing: Both diagnostic and procedural codes are used for billing, but they represent different aspects of the encounter.
* Impact: Diagnostic codes influence treatment decisions, while procedural codes determine the cost of care.
Example:
* Diagnosis: Pneumonia (ICD-10-CM code J18.9)
* Procedure: Chest X-ray (CPT code 71010)
The pneumonia code describes the patient's condition, while the chest X-ray code describes the specific medical procedure performed.
In Summary:
While the terms "diagnostic suffixes" and "procedural suffixes" aren't used in medical coding, the concepts of diagnostic and procedural codes are crucial for healthcare billing, data analysis, and communication. They clearly distinguish between a patient's medical condition and the services provided.