Examining practicality of current procedural terminology standard codes for privacy of patients at Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital and Legacy Clinics

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emphasizing the critical role of standardized codes in modern healthcare systems, particularly Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which facilitate efficient communication, accurate billing, and comprehensive patient record management, is of paramount. Despite their benefits, a significant concern regarding patient privacy amidst the detailed documentation enabled by CPT coding. As healthcare providers adopt these standards, they must navigate complex regulatory landscapes like HIPAA to ensure patient confidentiality. Technological advancements, such as Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, offer potential solutions by enhancing coding accuracy while safeguarding sensitive medical data through features like role-based access controls and encryption protocols. However, gaps remain in fully implementing privacy guidelines associated with CPT codes, especially in settings like Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital and Legacy Clinics, where this study aims to evaluate and improve the practical application of CPT standards to protect patient privacy effectively. AIM: The main objective of this study was to examine a level to which Current procedural terminology standards codes utilized as it can protect privacy and confidentiality. METHOD: Descriptive research design that employed quantitative approaches was used. The research focused on assessing the implementation of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) standards across two healthcare settings: Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital and Legacy Clinics. Purposive sampling was employed to select these study sites based on their accreditation and quality service standards relevant to privacy measures and information management. The study population consisted of 177 participants, including medical doctors, insurance partners, Teller staff, and IT officers, selected through stratified and proportionate sampling methods. These methods were chosen to collect quantitative dataon the practicality and efficiency of CPT standards in daily healthcare operations. Data management and analysis were conducted using Microsoft Excel for organizing questionnaire responses and STATA software for descriptive analysis. Findings: The findings reveal that the adoption of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in healthcare facilities is generally low, with Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH) showing no usage and Legacy Clinics having a higher adoption rate of 22.22%. Despite the overall familiarity with CPT, 94.59% of respondents reported non-usage, indicating substantial barriers such as lack of awareness, inadequate training, and systemic challenges. The occupational analysis shows that doctors, who form the largest group, express the highest dissatisfaction rates regarding CPT processes, although the chi-square test reveals no significant relationship between occupation and CPT usage. This suggests that CPT adoption is influenced more by facility- specific issues than by professional roles. Logistic regression analysis highlights that knowledge about CPT negatively impacts its usage, suggesting that awareness alone is not enough to increase adoption. This may be due to insufficient support or practical training. To address the low adoption rates, interventions are needed, particularly at RMH, where specific challenges need to be addressed. The study suggests that increasing awareness, improving training, and overcoming institutional barriers will be key to enhancing CPT adoption. A comprehensive approach that includes targeted interventions at facilities with low CPT usage will help improve patient confidentiality and procedural efficiency. Conclusion: CPT adoption remains low across surveyed healthcare facilities, with substantial barriers hindering its implementation, particularly at RMH. Occupational roles do not significantly influence usage, but systemic challenges and inadequate training are key obstacles. To promote CPT integration, healthcare institutions need targeted interventions, improved awareness, and comprehensive training programs to ensure successful adoption. Key words: Current procedural terminology, privacy, legacy clinics, Rwanda military hospital