Why are medical offices advised to keep the previous years code books?

To ensure accurate coding and billing.

Medical codes change over time, and it is important to use the most up-to-date codes when billing for services. Keeping previous years' code books on hand allows medical offices to cross-reference codes to ensure that they are using the correct ones for the current year. This can help to prevent errors that could lead to denied claims or other financial losses.

To comply with insurance regulations.

Some insurance companies require medical offices to keep previous years' code books on file in order to process claims. This is because insurance companies may need to refer to older code books to determine how services were coded in previous years. By keeping these code books on hand, medical offices can ensure that they are meeting the requirements of their insurance contracts and can avoid delays or denials of claims.

For reference and training purposes.

Previous years' code books can be a valuable resource for medical office staff who need to look up information about codes or billing procedures. They can also be used to train new staff members on how to code and bill for medical services. By keeping these code books on hand, medical offices can ensure that their staff has access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively.

To stay informed about coding changes.

The medical coding landscape is constantly changing, and it is important for medical offices to stay up-to-date on the latest coding changes. Keeping previous years' code books on hand can help medical offices to track these changes and ensure that they are using the most accurate and up-to-date information. This can help to prevent errors that could lead to denied claims, audits, or other financial penalties.