What does HCPCS stand for?

HCPCS stands for Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. This coding system is used primarily to identify and describe the medical services and procedures that are provided to patients. It plays a crucial role in billing and insurance claims by standardizing the way healthcare providers document and report services rendered. The use of HCPCS ensures that there is a uniform approach to coding across various practices and settings, which is essential for efficient communication between healthcare providers, insurers, and government payers.

The HCPCS coding system is divided into two levels: Level I codes are the same as the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes developed by the American Medical Association, which mainly cover physician services; Level II codes are used for non-physician services and supplies, covering things like durable medical equipment and ambulance services. This comprehensive structure allows for better tracking and management of healthcare services and facilitates accurate reimbursement processes.