CPT codes are used for what purpose in medical billing?

CPT codes, or Current Procedural Terminology codes, are primarily utilized to identify medical services and procedures performed during a patient's visit. These codes are essential for communication between healthcare providers and insurance companies, as they provide a standardized method to describe a wide range of medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. This not only facilitates billing but also ensures that providers receive appropriate reimbursement for the services rendered.

The clarity and specificity of CPT codes help in accurately representing the care provided, which is crucial for both legal documentation and the payment process. Therefore, the use of these codes ensures that healthcare practices can efficiently manage the billing cycle and minimize disputes with payers about the services billed.

In the context of the other choices, while describing insurance plan benefits, tracking patient medical history, and documenting patient appointments are important aspects of patient care and administrative processes, they do not directly involve the purpose of CPT codes in the billing system. CPT codes specifically focus on the details of the medical services provided, making option B the most appropriate answer.