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

The primary purpose of the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) is to prevent improper payments in the Medicare program by promoting correct coding methodologies. NCCI was implemented to ensure that the codes used for billing are appropriate and comply with coding guidelines and regulations. This initiative helps to identify and eliminate billing errors that could lead to overpayments or underpayments. It uses a series of edits that evaluate the medical necessity of services performed, thereby ensuring that providers are compensated accurately for their services while safeguarding against potential fraud, abuse, and errors in the payment process.

While coding guidelines, coder training, and patient care are essential elements within the healthcare system, they support broader functions of medical coding and billing. The NCCI specifically targets the financial integrity of Medicare payments, making payment accuracy its foremost objective. The initiative is also crucial in establishing a framework whereby coders can perform their duties based on clear and consistent guidelines, yet the overall mission centers around ensuring that payments made are appropriate and justified.