The Role of Medical Coding in Light of The Quality of Health Data to Serve Patients

Abstract

Medical coding has become a crucial foundation for health data quality worldwide.  In Saudi Arabia, the integration of medical coding into the healthcare system is becoming increasingly significant, in line with Vision 2030. This study aims to examine how medical coding influences data quality and patient care through a systematic review of a survey of 85 professionals in medical coding-related departments. This study was conducted at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah during the period from January to May 2024. The results highlight that the accuracy of medical coding improves patient care, eliminates medical errors, and enhances communication between healthcare providers. Furthermore, the results showed that over 90% of the respondents agreed that medical coding is essential for improving data accuracy, facilitating information access, and supporting decision-making. However, there is still high demand for the continuous coder training since it is essential for the high-quality of patient data. Overall, the findings indicate that medical coding contributes to patient safety and, advancement of patient-centered healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia.