Who uses HCPCS codes?

Asked by: Diana Rempel  |  Last update: September 18, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (23 votes)

The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is a collection of codes that represent procedures, supplies, products and services which may be provided to Medicare beneficiaries and to individuals enrolled in private health insurance programs.

Who accepts HCPCS codes?

National HCPCS Level II codes are maintained by CMS, but all private and public health insurers may use them.

Do all private payers use HCPCS codes?

National HCPCS Level II Codes

CMS is responsible for making decisions about additions, revisions, and deletions to the national alpha-numeric codes. These codes are for the use of all private and public health insurers.

Are HCPCS G codes for Medicare only?

As G codes are part of the national HCPCS Level II code set, they may also be used by non-Medicare insurers.

When to use HCPCS codes vs CPT codes?

CPT codes are used to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic services performed by healthcare professionals. HCPCS codes are used to report medical procedures and services to Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance programs.

The Difference Between HCPCS and CPT Codes

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Who can use HCPCS codes?

The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is a collection of codes that represent procedures, supplies, products and services which may be provided to Medicare beneficiaries and to individuals enrolled in private health insurance programs.

Does Medicare use CPT or HCPCS?

Coders today use HCPCS codes to represent medical procedures to Medicare, Medicaid, and several other third-party payers. The code set is divided into three levels.

What is the purpose of HCPCS?

The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is a national, uniform coding structure developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to standardize the coding systems used to process Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal) claims on a national basis.

When should G-codes be used?

G-codes are used to report a beneficiary's functional limitation being treated and note whether the report is on the beneficiary's current status, projected goal status, or discharge status.

What is the difference between CPT ICD-10 and HCPCS coding?

ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes provide the reason for seeking health care; ICD-10-PCS procedure codes tell what inpatient treatment and services the patient got; CPT (HCPCS Level I) codes describe outpatient services and procedures; and providers generally use HCPCS (Level II) codes for equipment, drugs, and supplies for ...

Are HCPCS codes only for outpatient?

The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is used to report hospital outpatient procedures and physician services. These coding systems serve an important function for physician reimbursement, hospital payments, quality review, benchmarking measurement and the collection of general medical statistical data.

What is an example of a HCPCS code?

An example of an HCPCS Level I is 90716, which coders can use to denote the administration of varicella or chickenpox vaccine. Meanwhile, an example of an HCPCS Level II code is R0070.

What CPT codes are changing for 2024?

Several Category III codes will be converted to Category I codes in the Current Procedural Termi- nology (CPT®) 2024 code set, these include: dorsal sacroiliac (SI) arthrodesis; coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) with computerized tomography (CT); coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) interventions; ...

Do all third party payers accept HCPCS codes?

Level II HCPCS codes essentially exist to report what a provider used during an item or service. CPT-4 codes generally describe what the provider did during an item or service. Not all payers accept HCPCS Level II codes, though many have adopted the HCPCS Level II code set since its conception for Medicare claims.

What is the difference between J code and HCPCS code?

While ICD-10 codes handle medical diagnoses and HCPCS Level I codes manage specific medical procedures, J-codes serve a unique purpose. J-codes, part of HCPCS Level II, are alpha-numeric codes designed for non-oral medications.

Does Medicaid use HCPCS codes?

Healthcare providers use Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System/Current Procedural Terminology (HCPCS/CPT) codes to report medical services performed on patients to state Medicaid agencies or fiscal agents. HCPCS consists of Level I CPT codes and Level II codes.

When should HCPCS codes be used?

HCPCS Level II: A standardized coding system that is used primarily to identify products, supplies, and services not included in the CPT® codes, such as ambulance services or durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) when used outside a physician's office.

What are the 3 basic G codes?

Here are some examples of G-code:
  • G00: Rapid move to specific coordinate position.
  • G01: Linear feed move.
  • G02/G03: Clockwise/counterclockwise feed move.

Are all G codes for Medicare only?

G codes are for Medicare and in some states Medicaid also accepts G codes.

How is HCPCS different from CPT?

CPT codes are entirely numeric and consist of five digits. HCPCS codes are alphanumeric, which means they use both numbers and letters. You'll always see a letter followed by four numbers. These structures make it easy to differentiate between an HCPCS code vs.

When did HCPCS become mandatory?

Initially, use of the codes was voluntary, but with the implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) use of the HCPCS for transactions involving health care information became mandatory.

Can physicians bill HCPCS codes?

HCPCS allows physicians to document the services provided. These codes are added to insurance claims and submitted to insurance companies for payment.

What are three services not covered by Medicare?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

Are HCPCS codes used for outpatient?

The three main coding systems used in the outpatient facility setting are ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II. These are often referred to as code sets.

Who maintains HCPCS codes?

CMS maintains HCPCS Level II codes, including decisions about additions, revisions, and deletions to the codes.