Knowledge and Practice of Health Records Coding and Billing Among Healthcare Workers in Selected Hospitals in Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

OSUNDINA, Kayode Sunday; Ogunmola-Oladele Tinuola Oluwatoyin; Agbonavbare Omotunde; Adesoji Morounfoluwa; Oyedokun Funmilayo Betsy

doi:10.31149/ijimm.v4i6.2936

Authors

OSUNDINA, Kayode Sunday Health Information Management Department Adeleke University Ede Osun State
Ogunmola-Oladele Tinuola Oluwatoyin Health Informatics and Information Management Department Cavalla International University, Roseville, USA
Agbonavbare Omotunde School of Health Information Management, University College Hospital, Ibadan
Adesoji Morounfoluwa Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Agric Service Department, Abeokuta, Ogun State
Oyedokun Funmilayo Betsy Public Health Department, University of Ibadan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31149/ijimm.v4i6.2936

Keywords:

Health records, clinical coding, medical billing, healthcare workers, knowledge, practice, Ikeja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Accurate health records coding and billing are essential components of effective health information management, influencing reimbursement, data quality, and healthcare service delivery. Despite their importance, gaps in knowledge and practice among healthcare workers may affect billing accuracy and overall hospital performance, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and practice of health records coding and billing among healthcare workers in selected hospitals in Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 250 healthcare workers selected from hospitals in Ikeja LGA. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practice, and factors affecting coding and billing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while Chi-square tests were used to assess associations at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results: Most respondents reported adequate knowledge of coding and billing (232; 92.8%) and active involvement in coding activities (233; 93.2%). A total of 208 (83.2%) participated in billing processes, while 225 (90.0%) had received formal training. Standardized coding systems were used by 225 (90.0%), and 220 (88.0%) adhered to coding guidelines. Significant association was found between knowledge and practice (χ² = 18.42, p < 0.001). Key barriers included poor clinical documentation (235; 94.0%), heavy workload (233; 93.2%), inadequate training (230; 92.0%), insufficient staffing (225; 90.0%), and limited access to coding tools (223; 89.2%).

Conclusion: The study concluded that although healthcare workers in the study area possess relatively good knowledge and engage in coding and billing activities, their practices are constrained by institutional and system-related challenges. Strengthening training, staffing, documentation practices, and health information systems is essential for improving coding accuracy and billing efficiency.

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