Which coding system is primarily used for outpatient and inpatient procedures?

The correct answer is CPT, which stands for Current Procedural Terminology. This coding system is specifically designed to provide a standardized way to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services. CPT codes are used primarily in outpatient settings, but they also apply to inpatient procedures, allowing for uniformity in billing and communication among healthcare providers.

CPT covers a wide range of services, including those provided by physicians in an outpatient setting, and is essential for the reimbursement process by insurance companies. The codes are regularly updated to reflect the evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring they remain relevant and comprehensive for both inpatient and outpatient procedures.

Other coding systems, while they have their own specific purposes, do not primarily serve both outpatient and inpatient procedures in the same way. For instance, ICD-10 focuses on diagnosis coding, HCPCS includes codes for certain health care procedures, equipment, and supplies not covered by CPT, and LOINC primarily pertains to lab tests and clinical observations rather than procedural coding. Thus, CPT is the most suitable choice for the question regarding coding of both outpatient and inpatient procedures.