What is the primary goal of the National Correct Coding Initiative?

The primary goal of the National Correct Coding Initiative is to control improper assignment of codes. This initiative is designed to promote correct coding practices by identifying and correcting coding errors that can lead to inappropriate billing and payment. It focuses on ensuring that healthcare providers use the correct coding for services rendered, thereby preventing situations where incorrect or erroneous coding might lead to fraudulent claims or unnecessary denials of payment.

By controlling improper code assignments, the initiative helps maintain the integrity of the healthcare billing system, ensuring that services are accurately represented and reimbursed according to established guidelines. This ultimately supports quality patient care and ensures that resources are allocated appropriately across the healthcare system. Establishing correct coding plays a vital role in the overall management of health care costs and helps sustain the financial viability of healthcare providers, even though that may not be its primary objective.