Level I vs Level II Copy link
Level I HCPCS codes are the CPT codes used for most physician services. Level II codes are a letter followed by four digits. They cover drugs, durable medical equipment, ambulance services, supplies, and Medicare-specific services. CMS maintains the Level II descriptions, and anyone may use them; the AMA owns the CPT descriptions.
How it relates to the fee schedule Copy link
The Physician Fee Schedule's relative value file lists codes from both levels, each with a status indicator. Codes that are payable physician or practitioner services also carry RVUs. Our code pages accept either a CPT code or a Level II code.
Frequently asked Copy link
What is the difference between HCPCS and CPT?
CPT is Level I of HCPCS. When people say “HCPCS codes” they usually mean the Level II alphanumeric codes, like J-codes for drugs, but CPT is part of HCPCS too.
Are HCPCS Level II descriptions free to use?
Yes. CMS maintains the Level II codes and descriptions, and they are not subject to AMA licensing.
Sources Copy link
Written from primary CMS sources—see how we source, compute, and verify everything on this site.
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