Which coding system is primarily used for reporting services and procedures in outpatient and inpatient settings?

The correct answer is CPT. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system is specifically designed for the reporting of medical services and procedures performed by healthcare providers, making it essential for both outpatient and inpatient settings. CPT codes are used by physicians and other healthcare professionals to communicate with payers for billing purposes, allowing for clear and standardized documentation of the services rendered.

CPT codes are organized into categories that define different types of services—such as evaluation and management, surgery, radiology, pathology and laboratory, and medicine. This organization facilitates accurate reporting and ensures that healthcare providers are compensated for their work based on the specific procedures they perform.

In contrast, ICD codes, such as ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM, are primarily focused on classification of diseases, conditions, and external causes of injury and are used mainly for diagnosis reporting rather than the procedural aspects that CPT covers. HCPCS codes include various services not covered by CPT, particularly those related to Medicare and Medicaid, such as ambulance services or durable medical equipment, but they are supplementary to the primary procedural coding done using CPT.