What should be done after medical services are provided?

• A. Verify patient eligibility for benefits.
• B. Collect copayment upfront.
• C. Code the diagnosis and procedures.
• D. Notify employer of treatment.

Answer: (C)

Assigning standardized codes to the encounter is the essential next step after care is provided. This means translating the clinician’s documentation into ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and CPT/HCPCS procedure codes. These codes are what the payer uses to determine eligibility for payment, the level of reimbursement, and whether the services were medically necessary. Accurate coding ensures the claim reflects exactly what was done, supports documentation of care, and helps minimize claim denials or delays.

Other actions, like checking patient eligibility or collecting copayments, typically occur before or during the visit rather than after services are completed. Notifying an employer about treatment isn’t part of the standard billing flow.