What does the orange asterisk symbol indicate?

The orange asterisk symbol in the HCPCS Level II coding system specifically indicates carrier discretion on coverage. This means that the code can be subject to the policies set by individual payers or insurers. A carrier may choose whether or not to reimburse for services or items associated with this code depending on their internal guidelines or policies, indicating variability in coverage from one insurance provider to another.

This symbol is significant for healthcare providers as it signals that they need to verify with the respective payer whether the service will be covered prior to providing it, to avoid unexpected patient billing and ensure compliance with insurance policies. Understanding this can help manage patient expectations and improve billing practices within a healthcare facility.