In coding, what does CPT coding describe?

• A. The diagnosis.
• B. The patient demographic.
• C. The service performed.
• D. The insurance policy type.

Answer: (C)

CPT coding describes the medical, surgical, and diagnostic services performed for a patient. These codes log the specific procedure or service—such as an office visit, imaging, laboratory test, or surgery—so billing can reflect exactly what was done. CPT focuses on the service itself, not the reason for it, which is captured separately by the diagnosis code (ICD-10-CM). It also isn’t about patient demographics or the insurance policy type, which are handled in other parts of the medical record and billing process.