CPT code or HCPCS Level II code?

[joseyj62114]

I am preparing for the certification exam. A Chapter Review question: If two codes exist for the same service, which one should I report? I chose, CPT code and it was incorrect. The correct answer was 'It depends on the payor." I went by the "Coding Standard..Levels of Use" on page v of HCPCS Level II Expert 2014". "When both a CPT and a HCPCS Level II code have virtually identical narratives for a procedure or service, the CPT code should be used. If however, the narratives are not identical...the HCPCS Level II is more specific, the Level II code should be used." It did not mention "depends on the payor." How do I need to look at this question?

 

[Ruth Sheets]

Hi Josey,
You are correct. I remember correcting this on one of CCO's exams to be the answer "CPT", and cited the same guideline you mentioned. If there was a chapter review question in the textbook that had a similar question, rest assured that "CPT" is the correct answer. If this was from an online test from CCO, please indicate which one so I can hunt it down and correct it. Thanks!