S-codes — Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)

Codes maintained for use by non-Medicare payers — commercial insurance and state Medicaid plans.

S-codes (S0000-S9999) are maintained by the BlueCross BlueShield Association and used by commercial and Medicaid payers — never by Medicare. They cover services Medicare doesn't pay separately for, services Medicare bundles into other codes, and services that need a temporary code before permanent CPT/HCPCS assignment.

Because S-codes are non-Medicare, claims systems often configure them differently. Always check payer policy before billing — coverage and rates vary widely between commercial insurers and across state Medicaid programs.

Frequently-referenced S-codes:

• S0257 — Counseling and discussion regarding advance directives
• S9999 — Sales tax