Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

Improper coding practices can lead to potential patient harm due to misinterpretations of the medical data. When coding is inaccurate, it can result in incorrect diagnoses being recorded or misunderstood treatment procedures. This may lead to inappropriate treatment decisions, medication errors, or even delayed care for patients who need timely interventions. Moreover, if the coding does not accurately reflect the patient's condition, it could result in inadequate follow-up care or additional unnecessary testing, further compromising patient safety.

While the other options may seem beneficial, they do not accurately reflect the consequences of improper coding. Increased accuracy in patient records and enhanced compliance with healthcare regulations are outcomes of proper coding. Improved relationships with insurance providers typically arise from clear, accurate claims submission rather than the effects of improper coding. Thus, the potential for patient harm highlights the critical importance of accurate coding practices in healthcare.