When verifying HCPCS Level II codes, where should a coder look if a description is found in the Index?

When verifying HCPCS Level II codes, the coder should look in the Tabular list because this section provides a comprehensive and detailed arrangement of codes along with their descriptions. The Index can help locate a particular code, but it does not provide detailed information about the code itself. The Tabular list is where the coder will find structured information, including guidelines, code descriptions, and additional notes that are essential for accurate coding.

The other sources mentioned, such as the ICD manual and the CPT manual, are related to different coding systems and would not pertain specifically to HCPCS Level II codes. The ICD manual focuses on diagnoses, while the CPT manual is more oriented towards procedures and services. The patient's chart is critical for context and details specific to the patient’s health and treatment, but it does not provide the verified coding information needed to confirm the accuracy of HCPCS Level II codes. Thus, the Tabular list is the appropriate resource for verifying coded information.