What does the term "bundling" refer to in coding?

The term "bundling" in coding refers to the practice of grouping related procedures under a single code. This approach is used to simplify billing and coding by consolidating multiple related services or procedures into one comprehensive code, often for reimbursement purposes. Bundling is particularly relevant in healthcare coding, where it can lead to more efficient processing of claims and can better reflect the entire scope of treatment provided to a patient, rather than itemizing each procedure individually. This method not only reduces administrative burdens but also ensures that the interconnected nature of certain treatments is acknowledged in the reimbursement process.