What does 'charge capture' refer to in health information management?

Charge capture in health information management refers specifically to the process of documenting patient services. This is a critical component in ensuring that all services provided to patients are accurately recorded and subsequently billed. Effective charge capture helps to ensure that healthcare facilities are compensated appropriately for the care they provide.

When services are documented accurately, it allows for proper coding and billing processes to follow, which is essential for revenue cycle management. Accurate charge capture not only involves the documentation of services rendered but also ensures that all charges are accounted for, maximizing the financial performance of healthcare organizations.

In contrast, billing insurance companies involves the subsequent step after charge capture; it relies on the accuracy and completeness of the documentation initially recorded. Recording patient complaints pertains more to patient care and service quality, rather than the financial processes of charge capture. Finally, the analysis of healthcare costs looks at financial data and trends, but does not pertain to the direct documentation of services rendered to patients, which is the essence of charge capture.