What coding system is used for diagnoses in inpatient settings?

• A. ICD-10-CM
• B. CPT codes
• C. DRG
• D. RVU

Answer: (A)

Diagnoses in inpatient settings are coded with ICD-10-CM, the diagnosis classification used within the ICD-10 family. This system provides detailed alphanumeric codes for diseases, conditions, symptoms, injuries, and other health problems, allowing precise documentation in medical records and accurate billing. In hospitals, inpatient procedure coding uses ICD-10-PCS, not CPT, which is mainly for outpatient procedures and physician services. DRG is a payment classification that groups hospital cases for reimbursement based on diagnoses and procedures, but it isn’t a coding system itself. RVU refers to value units used in reimbursement schedules and does not serve as a diagnosis coding scheme. So, ICD-10-CM is the appropriate coding system for inpatient diagnoses.