The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are used to describe specific tests or services.

• The amount of payment for a test is dependent on the HCPCS or CPT code.
• HCPCS or CPT codes should be assigned under the supervision of the laboratory technical staff.
• Billing department employees should never change a HCPCS or CPT code without the approval of a manager or compliance officer.
• If a billing department clerk notices that a particular HCPCS or CPT code is being rejected by a payer they should report it to their manager.
• It is against the law to use the wrong HCPCS or CPT code for the purpose of causing or increasing payment for a test.