US Medical Term · insurance
Procedure Code
Código de procedimiento
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Procedure Code |
| Spanish (Español) | Código de procedimiento |
| Chinese (中文) | 处置代码 |
| Korean (한국어) | 시술 코드 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Mã thủ thuật |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Procedure code |
| Portuguese (Português) | Código de procedimento |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | รหัสขั้นตอน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 処置コード |
What it means
A procedure code identifies a medical service, treatment, or supply on an insurance claim. In the United States, procedure codes come from two main systems: CPT (Current Procedural Terminology, maintained by the AMA) for physician and outpatient services, and HCPCS Level II for ambulance services, durable medical equipment, drugs, and other items. Medicare and Medicaid require HCPCS codes. Procedure codes are paired with diagnosis codes on a claim so the insurer can verify that the service was medically necessary.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Can you tell me the procedure code for this surgery so I can call my insurance before scheduling?
¿Puede decirme el código de procedimiento para esta cirugía para que pueda llamar a mi seguro antes de programarla?
The procedure code on my bill does not match what the doctor described — please verify it.
El código de procedimiento en mi factura no coincide con lo que el médico describió — por favor verifíquelo.
My insurer requires the procedure code to process a prior authorization request.
Mi aseguradora requiere el código de procedimiento para procesar una solicitud de autorización previa.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026