Medical Coding Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Retrospective coding is characterized by the process of assigning codes to the services and diagnoses after they have been provided to the patient. This means that the medical coder reviews the documentation and clinical information post-service to accurately reflect the treatment and procedures that were rendered. This type of coding allows for a comprehensive assessment of the entire patient encounter and ensures that all services are accounted for in the coding process.

This is different from prospective coding, which occurs before services are rendered, often based on expected procedures and expected diagnoses. Retrospective coding instead relies on historical clinical documentation, which highlights the importance of accurately reflecting the care already given. Additionally, prior planning does not apply to retrospective coding since it is conducted after the fact, and thus it cannot be classified as being based on a pre-established plan.