The primary goal of coding compliance programs is to prevent what?

The primary goal of coding compliance programs is indeed to prevent accusations of fraud and abuse. These programs are designed to ensure that coding practices align with legal and ethical standards, which helps organizations maintain integrity in billing processes for healthcare services. By adhering to established coding guidelines and regulations, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of submitting incorrect claims, which could potentially lead to investigations, fines, and legal implications related to fraudulent activities.

Additionally, coding compliance programs foster accurate documentation and reporting practices, which are critical in a healthcare setting. Maintaining compliance not only protects the organization from legal repercussions but also builds trust with patients and regulatory entities. Since accusations of fraud and abuse can severely impact the reputation and financial stability of a healthcare organization, a robust coding compliance program is an essential component to safeguard against these risks.

In the context of the other options, while delayed reimbursements, poor patient outcomes, and high operational costs are certainly significant concerns for healthcare organizations, they are not the primary focus of coding compliance programs. Instead, those programs are fundamentally aimed at avoiding legal consequences arising from non-compliance with coding regulations.