Definition
Charge entry turns captured services into claim-ready line items in the practice management system. Each line carries the procedure code, modifiers, units, diagnosis pointers, date of service, place of service, and rendering provider.
Why it matters
Errors at entry flow straight onto the claim. A wrong place of service code changes the payment rate, and a wrong rendering provider can deny for enrollment. Extra units or missing modifiers trip MUE and NCCI edits.
Example
A clerk keys the office place of service code for a hospital outpatient visit. The payer pays the higher non-facility rate, and the overpayment is later recouped.