Definition
Charge capture records the services, procedures, supplies, and drugs delivered during an encounter as billable charges. It draws on the clinical note, order entry, or a superbill. Each charge should tie to the correct date of service and rendering provider.
Why it matters
A missed charge never becomes a claim, so it never appears on a denial report or in an aging bucket. Late capture adds charge lag and can push claims toward timely filing limits. Practices reconcile the schedule against posted charges to find the gaps.
Example
A clinic reconciles Tuesday’s schedule and finds 3 completed visits with no charges. The provider had left the notes unsigned, so nothing flowed to billing.