About BillingBrief
BillingBrief is a free reference that explains medical billing codes in plain English. It's meant for medical coders, billers, clinic staff, and students who need a quick answer about a specific code.
Sources
- ICD-10-CM: official descriptions from the ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026), published byCMS. ICD-10-CM is in the public domain.
- HCPCS Level II: official descriptions from the HCPCS Level II, October 2026 quarterly file, published byCMS.
- CPT: BillingBrief writes its own plain-English summaries. We don't reproduce the AMA's official CPT descriptors. For those, use a licensed copy of the CPT code set from theAmerican Medical Association.
Disclaimer
Everything on BillingBrief is for educational purposes only. It isn't medical, legal, or billing advice, and it doesn't guarantee payment or coverage by any payer. Code sets change every year. Always confirm against the current official code set, payer policy, and your organization's compliance guidance before you submit a claim.
Trademarks
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. BillingBrief is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the AMA, CMS, or any payer.
Educational reference only. Not medical, legal, or billing advice. Always check the current official code set and payer policy before you bill. About BillingBrief and our sources.