Which coding system is primarily used for tracking procedural data?

CPT® (Current Procedural Terminology) is the coding system primarily used for tracking procedural data. This system is maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) and provides a comprehensive set of codes that encompass a wide range of medical procedures and services. These codes are essential for billing and reimbursement processes and facilitate communication about patient care between healthcare providers, insurers, and others in the medical community.

CPT® codes are particularly designed to describe what services were performed during a patient visit, ranging from surgical procedures to diagnostic tests. This specificity enables precise coding and billing for procedures, ensuring accurate tracking of healthcare services rendered. It is the most widely used coding system in outpatient settings and is critical for standardized communication in healthcare.

Other coding systems like ICD-10-CM focus on diagnosis coding, while SNOMED CT® is utilized for electronic health records to provide a comprehensive clinical vocabulary. HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) encompasses services not covered by CPT®, including certain outpatient services and supplies. While these systems play important roles in the healthcare coding ecosystem, CPT® stands out specifically for its focus on procedural data.