How do NCCI edits protect healthcare providers?

The National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits primarily serve to enhance the accuracy of billing and coding practices by providing a list of incorrect coding combinations. This functionality helps healthcare providers avoid billing errors that could lead to denials or inappropriate reimbursement. By outlining specific codes that should not be reported together under certain circumstances, the NCCI promotes correct coding practices that help to reduce fraudulent claims and associated penalties. Additionally, by ensuring providers are informed about proper coding combinations, NCCI edits help to streamline audit processes and support compliant billing, ultimately protecting healthcare providers from financial losses and ensuring they receive appropriate reimbursement for their services.