A coder is ready to lock an inpatient surgical case for final bill, but the authenticated operative report is missing and hospital incomplete-record policy requires it before final coding. What is the appropriate validation action?

Hospital incomplete-record policies commonly require key authenticated documents—such as the operative report and discharge summary—before coding is considered complete for final bill. Coders should validate that those required forms are present rather than reconstructing the case solely from secondary sources. Proceeding to lock without required documentation risks inaccurate procedure coding and compliance exposure. When required reports are missing, the case remains incomplete for final coding until documentation is obtained.