Question

In a minimum of 150 words, explain the purpose and use of the CPT and HCPCS systems, including whom is responsible for maintaining each system.

Answer 1

Answer: CPT refers to the current procedural terminology which is a medical code set that is maintained by the American medical association (AMA) and describes the different medical services and procedures through a uniform set of codes. This enables in creating a common language for representing the medical, diagnostic and surgical services.   This code is maintained by the AMA through the CPT editorial panel.

The healthcare common procedure coding system (HCPCS) is also a system of medical coding that is based on the CPT. It is a medical billing system that is used by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS). This code is collectively administered by the AMA and CMS. This coding is essential in the Medicaid and Medicare programs along with other health insurance programs for the processing of the claims. The HCPCS has two levels namely I and II. Both of these systems help in creating a uniform coding language for various medical services and procedures.