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CPT vs HCPCS: what is the difference?
CPT is HCPCS Level I, a numeric code set the American Medical Association maintains. HCPCS Level II is the CMS code set for products, supplies, and services not in CPT, such as durable medical equipment and drugs.
Facts only, from 2 cited sources, checked October 23, 2026. This page does not recommend either option.
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CPT vs HCPCS side by side
| Current Procedural Terminology (HCPCS Level I) | HCPCS Level II | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintained by | American Medical Association | CMS | CMS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) |
| Format | Numeric | Alphanumeric (a letter and 4 digits) | CMS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) |
| Covers | Procedures and services | Products, supplies, and services not in CPT | CMS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) |
| Updates | AMA republishes and updates yearly | CMS quarterly update files | CMS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) |
| On this site | Not listed (AMA copyright) | 8,770 Level II codes and 384 modifiers in the October 2026 file | CMS HCPCS quarterly update, October 2026 file (as loaded on this site) |
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Questions
What is the difference between CPT and HCPCS?
CPT is HCPCS Level I, a numeric code set the American Medical Association maintains. HCPCS Level II is the CMS code set for products, supplies, and services not in CPT, such as durable medical equipment and drugs.
Is CPT part of HCPCS?
Yes. CMS describes CPT as HCPCS Level I, maintained by the AMA. Level II is maintained by CMS.