American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which code set is designated for standard use in electronic transactions?

1. ICD-11

2. HCPCS

3. DSHS

4. SNOMED

The correct answer is: HCPCS

The HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) is the code set designated for standard use in electronic transactions. It includes codes for a variety of healthcare services and procedures, including those not included in the standard CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. HCPCS is used for billing and processing claims for a wide variety of services, including non-physician services, durable medical equipment, and other ancillary services. This standardized coding system allows for efficient communication and processing of healthcare transactions between providers, payers, and patients. The other code sets mentioned do not serve the primary purpose of standardizing electronic transaction codes. ICD-11 is primarily used for diagnosis coding, focusing on diseases and health conditions. DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) usually refers to a specific governmental body and does not represent a coding system. SNOMED is a comprehensive terminology for clinical information but is not specifically designed for electronic transactions in the same way HCPCS is. Thus, HCPCS is the most appropriate choice for standard use in electronic transactions.