When an orderable/performable procedure is triggered from clinical charge sources, what must be done before billing?

• A. Convert to a CPT code
• B. Assign a custom code type
• C. Route to the Charge Router
• D. Translate into a chargeable procedure code for billing

Answer: (D)

Before billing, the clinical action must be translated into a chargeable procedure code. This step converts the orderable or performable procedure into a standard CPT/HCPCS code that the payer recognizes, creating a billable line item with a defined code, description, and rate. Without this mapping, the service exists in the clinical record but has no identifiable billable code, so a claim cannot be created. Routing to the Charge Router or assigning a custom code type may occur in other parts of the workflow, but they are not the essential prerequisite for generating a billable code.