Q-codes — Temporary Codes

Temporary CMS codes covering drugs, biologicals, supplies, and services that need a code before permanent HCPCS / CPT assignment.

Q-codes (Q0000-Q9999) are temporary codes for items and services that need quick billing assignment. They cover a wide range: cast supplies (Q4001-Q4051), skin substitutes (Q4100-Q4250+), CMS demonstration project codes (Q3000+ range), and one-off temporary drugs.

Q-codes turn over rapidly. CMS adds Q-codes each quarter for new skin substitute products, then frequently moves them to permanent A or C codes. The skin substitute Q-codes (Q4100+) are heavily audited — each requires specific documentation and often falls under Local Coverage Determinations.

Frequently-referenced Q-codes:

• Q4001 — Casting supplies, body cast adult
• Q4101 — Apligraf, per square centimeter