What is meant by coding compliance?

Coding compliance refers to the practice of adhering to all applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards when coding medical diagnoses and procedures. This ensures the accuracy and integrity of coded data, which is critical for proper billing, reimbursement, and maintaining the quality of patient care. Following established coding standards, such as those provided by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), helps prevent coding errors that can lead to legal and financial repercussions for healthcare providers.

The other options, while important aspects of healthcare delivery, do not specifically address the principles of coding compliance. For instance, regularly following up with patients focuses on patient care and engagement, while implementing new technology pertains to improving operational efficiency. Similarly, accurately recording patient histories involves clinical documentation but does not directly involve adherence to coding regulations and guidelines.