What is the main purpose of HCPCS codes?

The main purpose of HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes is to facilitate insurance billing and reimbursement. HCPCS codes serve as a standardized system to identify products, services, and procedures provided in healthcare settings, which helps ensure that healthcare providers are properly compensated for their offerings.

These codes are primarily used for billing purposes to help insurance companies process claims efficiently. By using these standardized codes, healthcare providers can communicate effectively with payers regarding what services were provided to patients, thus aiding in the reimbursement process. The coding system includes not only services but also items like medical equipment and supplies, further supporting the billing ecosystem.

The other options do not capture the full scope and purpose of HCPCS codes. For example, limiting coding to outpatient services does not reflect the range of settings in which these codes are used. Likewise, while diagnosis codes are vital for medical coding, HCPCS encompasses more than just diagnosis—it includes procedure and service codes as well. Categorizing surgical procedures, while a part of what may be coded, also does not encompass the broader billing and reimbursement role that HCPCS codes fulfill in the healthcare system.