CPT coding is used to describe procedures for billing and documentation.

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Current Procedural Terminology codes are a standardized system that names the medical procedures and services performed by healthcare clinicians. They are used primarily for billing and documentation because insurers need a uniform way to understand what was done and assign reimbursement accordingly. This is distinct from diagnosing, which is described by ICD-10-CM codes, and from hospital department classifications used for management. It is also distinct from pharmacy records, which rely on medication dispensing codes like NDC. Therefore, describing procedures for billing and documentation is exactly what CPT coding does.