What system is used for coding diagnoses and procedures?

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system is specifically designed for coding and classifying diagnoses and health conditions. It provides a systematic way to represent diagnoses, enabling uniformity in understanding and reporting health information across various healthcare settings. This standardization is crucial for medical billing, epidemiology, and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care based on their specific health conditions.

The ICD coding system is used not only for tracking the prevalence of diseases and health outcomes but also for reimbursement processes within healthcare systems. It allows for the proper documentation of patient diagnoses in medical records, which is essential for quality care and research.

While Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) are also essential in healthcare coding, they primarily focus on procedures and services rather than diagnoses. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is specifically used for mental health diagnoses, which means it serves a different function compared to the ICD. Therefore, the choice of the ICD coding system for coding diagnoses is the most appropriate and accurate within the context provided.