What does "NCCI" stand for in coding?

"NCCI" stands for "National Correct Coding Initiative." This initiative was created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to promote correct coding methodologies and assist with the prevention of improper payment for services. The NCCI includes a set of coding guidelines and edits that help ensure that billed services are medically necessary and coding is done accurately, reflecting the services that were actually performed.

The purpose of the NCCI is to eliminate the occurrence of inappropriate coding, which can lead to erroneous claims and ultimately result in denial of payment. It provides coders with a framework to identify services that should not be reported together based on established policy. Understanding NCCI guidelines is crucial for coding professionals to ensure compliance and to help healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement.

The other options represent concepts or acronyms that do not align with the widely recognized definition of NCCI within the coding profession, which reinforces that B is the most accurate and relevant answer in this context.