Acronym for Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, HCPCS was developed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a way to standardize identification of medical services, supplies and equipment. Commonly known as hick-picks, these HCPCS codes have two levels – Level I and Level II. Level I HCPCS codes comprise Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which are a numerical coding system maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA). Level II HCPCS codes consist of a single letter followed by four numbers instead of the standard 5 number CPT code. These codes came into being because Medicare and other insurers cover a variety of services, supplies and equipment that are not identified by CPT codes such as ambulance services. These codes are also referred to as alpha-numeric codes as they consist of a single alphabetical letter followed by 4 numeric digits. Till the year 2004, there was a third level of HCPCS codes, the use of which was discontinued to adhere to consistent coding standards. Knowledge of HCPCS coding is essential for those working in doctor’s offices, hospitals and private and public health insurance. These codes are one of the most difficult code sets to master, moreso because the health care industry keeps on changing. Do well to remember that sound knowledge of HCPCS coding is an employment skill that remains high in demand. You need to keep pace with the latest HCPCS codes if you are to succeed in your endeavor. When you do so, you will be able to make more accurate and timely reimbursement! You can look up the CMS Website for HCPCS code quarterly and yearly changes.