An Evaluation of the Impact of Accurate Clinical Coding of Health Records on Billing Accuracy in Selected Hospitals in Egbeda Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Famade TITILAYO; Ogunmola-Oladele Tinuola Oluwatoyin; OMOLE, Segun Micheal; Adedoyin Odunayo ADEBOWALE; KARUNWI Adetunji Ademuyiwa

Authors

Famade TITILAYO University of Ibadan, Faculty of public health
Ogunmola-Oladele Tinuola Oluwatoyin Health Informatics and Information Management Department Cavalla International University, Roseville, USA
OMOLE, Segun Micheal Ph.D., Fhrim, Department of Health Information Management, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria
Adedoyin Odunayo ADEBOWALE Department of Dental Therapy/ Dental Surgery Technician Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences.
KARUNWI Adetunji Ademuyiwa Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.

Keywords:

Clinical Coding, Billing Accuracy, Health Information Management, Documentation Quality, Health Records, Hospital Revenue Cycle

Abstract

Introduction: Accurate clinical coding in health records is a critical component of health information management, directly influencing billing accuracy, reimbursement processes, and overall quality of healthcare delivery. Errors in coding can lead to financial losses, claim denials, and compromised healthcare data integrity, which can affect administrative, clinical, and research functions. Objectives: This study examined the effect of accurate clinical coding in health records on billing accuracy in selected hospitals in Egbeda Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the knowledge and practice of coding and billing, identified factors affecting coding accuracy, evaluated the impact of accurate coding on billing processes, and explored solutions to challenges affecting coding and billing. Method of Analysis: A descriptive survey design was employed. Data were collected from 200 health information management professionals using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge and practice, factors affecting coding, impact on billing, and potential solutions. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Most respondents reported knowledge and practice of clinical coding and billing (75.0% strongly agreed). Major challenges included incomplete documentation (44.0% strongly agreed) and inadequate coding tools (57.0% strongly agreed). Accurate coding was seen to improve billing and healthcare delivery (75.0% strongly agreed). Key solutions identified were provision of adequate tools (76.0% strongly agreed), recruitment of staff (74.0% strongly agreed), and periodic training (70.0% strongly agreed). Conclusion: Accurate clinical coding is pivotal for improving billing precision, administrative efficiency, and healthcare data quality. Strengthening both individual competencies and organizational supports is essential to optimize coding practices, reduce billing errors, and ensure reliable health information for hospital management, reimbursement, and research purposes.

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