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

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is primarily used for coding diagnoses and inpatient procedures. This system provides a standardized way to classify diseases and other health-related issues, which is essential for health statistics, billing, and reimbursement processes. ICD codes are crucial for tracking the prevalence of diseases, facilitating health care research, and informing public health policy.

ICD is widely adopted in hospitals and healthcare settings for inpatient coding, where an accurate representation of the patient's condition is necessary for both clinical management and financial accounting. The specific versions of ICD, such as ICD-10, contain extensive detail for many health conditions and diagnoses, allowing healthcare providers to convey a comprehensive description of patients' health challenges.

In contrast, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is used primarily for describing medical procedures and services performed by healthcare professionals, rather than diagnoses. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) also supports coding for procedures but includes items like durable medical equipment as well. Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) are classification systems used for categorizing hospital cases based on diagnosis and the procedures performed, influencing reimbursement. However, DRGs themselves do not provide the direct coding of diagnoses or procedures; rather, they are used in conjunction with ICD codes for payment purposes.