What does CPT stand for in medical coding?

CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology, which is a standardized coding system developed and maintained by the American Medical Association. It provides a universal language for reporting medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures. The primary purpose of CPT is to ensure consistency in the reporting of healthcare services, which facilitates communication between healthcare providers, insurers, and patients.

CPT codes are integral to the billing process and are used widely in healthcare for documentation, billing, and reimbursement purposes. They allow for the accurate identification of services rendered, ensuring proper payment and reducing claims denials from insurance companies. The use of Current Procedural Terminology also helps in the data collection and research necessary for improving healthcare quality and efficiency.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established definition and application of the coding system recognized within the medical community. They fail to convey the comprehensive, standardized framework that Current Procedural Terminology represents in the context of medical coding.