The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is a collection of health administrative billing codes that is stewarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The codes are used for billing and reimbursement of health services and treatments rendered to patients. HCPCS is the coding system used by durable medical equipment and supply (DMES) companies for receipt of DMES including those delivered for use in patients’ homes. HCPCS also includes codes for procedures and specialized health services, including home health care and therapies.
The HCPCS categorization distinguishes over 150 specific types of DMES across 14 body systems. The detailed DMES classification system permits clinicians, researchers, administrators, payors, and others to better understand the populations of patients who use DMES, while focusing on the subsections that are most relevant to their practice or interests.
For more information, review the JAMA Open publication on the HCPCS categorization, including use with Medicaid claims data and an appendix describing the categorization methods.
