Which coding system would you use to report durable medical equipment?

The appropriate coding system to report durable medical equipment is HCPCS Level II. This coding system is specifically designed to facilitate the reporting of medical supplies, including durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and other assistive devices used by patients at home or in care facilities. HCPCS Level II codes are alphanumeric and cover a wide range of items and services that are not classified in the CPT coding system.

ICD-10-CM, on the other hand, is primarily used for diagnosing conditions and diseases rather than for reporting equipment. CPT is oriented towards procedural coding for services and treatments provided by healthcare professionals, but not for the items themselves. SNOMED CT represents clinical terms for healthcare that includes diseases, findings, and procedures but is not utilized for coding medical equipment. Thus, HCPCS Level II is clearly the most suitable choice for the reporting of durable medical equipment.