Who updates the HCPCS codes and descriptions each year?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for updating the HCPCS codes and their descriptions on an annual basis. They ensure that the codes reflect current standards in medical practice and health care services. This process involves reviewing existing codes for relevance and accuracy, as well as adding new codes as necessary to accommodate advancements in medical technology and treatment options.

CMS collaborates with various stakeholders in the health care industry to gather input on the coding needs, but the ultimate authority rests with them. Other organizations like the American Medical Association predominantly focus on updates related to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, not HCPCS codes. The Department of Health may oversee health policy and regulations, but it does not manage code updates, while private insurers utilize the codes for billing purposes but are not involved in their development or modification.