What is the purpose of coding validation and who performs it?

• A. To audit payment receipts.
• B. To ensure codes match the services and diagnoses; performed by trained coders or billing staff.
• C. To create marketing codes.
• D. To rate patient satisfaction.

Answer: (B)

Coding validation focuses on making sure the codes used in a patient’s record accurately reflect the services provided and the diagnoses documented. This check is done by trained coders or billing staff who review the chart, select the appropriate CPT, ICD-10-CM, or other codes, verify the level of detail, and confirm alignment with payer guidelines and coding rules. The goal is to ensure proper reimbursement, compliance, and accurate medical records by preventing mismatches, overcalls, or under-coding. Other activities like auditing payment receipts, creating marketing codes, or rating patient satisfaction don’t address this alignment between charted services and the codes used.