In addition to CPT, which coding system is used by Medicare to report procedures and supplies?

In addition to CPT, which coding system is used by Medicare to report procedures and supplies?

• A. CPT codes
• B. HCPCS codes
• C. ICD-10-CM codes
• D. DRG codes

Answer: (B)

Medicare uses a broader coding system to cover items and services beyond physician procedures. CPT codes handle the procedures themselves, but for things like durable medical equipment, prosthetics, supplies, drugs, and ambulance services, Medicare relies on HCPCS. HCPCS stands for Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and has Level I (which is CPT) and Level II (the additional codes). Level II codes are five-character alphanumeric codes used to report those non-CPT items and services. ICD-10-CM codes are for diagnoses, not procedures, and DRG codes group inpatient stays for payment. So, for reporting procedures and supplies in addition to CPT, the system used is HCPCS.

Medicare uses a broader coding system to cover items and services beyond physician procedures. CPT codes handle the procedures themselves, but for things like durable medical equipment, prosthetics, supplies, drugs, and ambulance services, Medicare relies on HCPCS. HCPCS stands for Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and has Level I (which is CPT) and Level II (the additional codes). Level II codes are five-character alphanumeric codes used to report those non-CPT items and services. ICD-10-CM codes are for diagnoses, not procedures, and DRG codes group inpatient stays for payment. So, for reporting procedures and supplies in addition to CPT, the system used is HCPCS.