Wiki coding time frame

[rachelkwb]

Is there a time frame for how soon a case should be coded and completed after the case is signed out? we have hospital coders who have not completed the coding for cases dating back to March 2025 and we are getting close to timely filing for insurance reimbursement. I cant seem to find guidelines anywhere.

 

[csperoni]

There are no official coding guidelines for this. It is something that is typically determined by an employer. In my opinion, care should be coded as soon as all documentation required is available and signed. It's fine to have a small buffer or backlog, but if the department is 4 months behind, that's a problem. Some carriers have 90 day filing.

 

[amyjph]

I agree with Christine. It should be completed as soon as the documentation is complete and signed off on. Also, think about how this messes up the patient's deductibles and other patient responsibilities when it comes to delays in submitting claims. Why are these coders not coding March 2025 cases? What is your internal policy? Something seems off here. You're also killing your rev cycle if waiting that long.