Overview of the HCPCS Book

Introduction

• The HCPCS book, often referred to as the Hickpix book, is the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, specifically Level 2.
• Level 1 of HCPCS is technically CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), known as CPT-4.
• Many medical coding curriculums do not cover this book extensively, although it is essential for certain coding tasks.
• Victoria, a medical coder and educator, provides an overview and some demonstrations of using the HCPCS book.

Contents and Uses of HCPCS Book

• Primarily used for:
  • Drugs and medications
  • Ambulance services
  • Durable medical equipment (DME)
  • Insurance-specific codes
• Examples include:
  • "S" codes for annual GYN exams (e.g., Capital Blue Cross)
  • "G" codes for Medicare-specific services

Certification Exams and the HCPCS Book

• For the CPC exam by AAPC:
  • Only five questions specifically address HCPCS Level 2 codes
  • Can often be passed without extensive use of the HCPCS book if proficient in other areas
• For AHIMA exams:
  • Specific editions of HCPCS books may be required

Editions and Publishing

• Various publishers produce the HCPCS books, like Optum 360 and the Coding Institute.
• Differences in editions may include additional appendices or note spaces.

HCPCS Coding in Practice

• HCPCS books may not be purchased annually by organizations due to cost and alternative tools like Codify.
• Common uses:
  • DME billing (casts, crutches, artificial limbs)
  • Ambulance billing
  • Medication billing by unit dosage (e.g., 10 mg, 40 mg)

Structure of the HCPCS Book

• Table of Contents: Organized alphabetically with sections for different code types
• Sections:
  • A Codes: Ambulance services, medical and surgical supplies
  • J Codes: Drugs and medications, including chemotherapy drugs
  • Temporary Codes: For specific insurance or temporary services
  • Modifiers and Appendices: Additional coding resources not found in CPT

Practical Coding Examples

• Drug Coding:
  • Attention needed for dosage and unit billing (e.g., J3301 for Kenalog)
  • Calculation based on administered dosage
• Equipment and Services:
  • Coding for prosthetic eyes, canes, crutches, etc.

Important Notes

• The HCPCS book has a rich note-taking space, useful for exam preparation or additional references.
• Different editions may offer various features such as anatomical illustrations or supplemental information.
• Appendices include important resources such as modifiers, abbreviations, and payment indicators.

Conclusion

• The HCPCS book is a valuable resource for specific medical coding needs and should not be overlooked entirely.
• It's important to understand its layout and the type of codes it covers to make the most of its utility in medical coding practices.