Because of the constantly evolving health care sector, the professionals who work with HCPCS coding must continually stay updated. HCPCS Level II codes consist of one alpha character (A through V), which are followed by four digits. For instance: A0000-V9999. However, a few letters don't find mention. For instance the letter "I" is not used because of the possibility of mistaking it with the numeral 1.

Each letter category encompasses an area, or several areas of similar products and services. Here we take a look at a few of them:

A codes encompass a wide variety of services and products. The three main sub types of A codes are transportation services (including ambulance), medical and surgical supplies, administrative, miscellaneous, and investigational services and supplies. These codes cover ostomies, tracheostomies, and urologicals.

Example of A code: A4611 Battery, heavy duty; replacement for patient-owned ventilator

B codes are used to report enteral and parenteral nutrition supplies and services. With a B code, you can report feeding supplies, formulae, nutritional solutions, infusion pumps, etc.

Example of B code: B4185 Parenteral nutrition solution; per 10 grams lipids

C codes are used for services paid under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. These codes may also be used by private payers for reimbursement purposes. Example of C code: C1753 Catheter, intravascular ultrasound.

D codes are dental codes which are no longer listed in the official HCPCS listing but you can still get it from American Dental Association.

Example of D code: D7220 Removal of impacted tooth—soft tissue

E codes are used to report a wide range of medical equipment including wheelchairs, canes, artificial kidney machines, etc.

Example of E code: E1210 Motorized wheelchair; fixed full-length arms, swing-away, detachable, elevating leg rests.