S0257 HCPCS code: Counseling and discussion regarding advance directives or end of life care planning and decisions, with patient and/or surrogate (list separately in addition to code for appropriate evaluation and management service)
S0257 is the HCPCS Level II code for counseling and discussion regarding advance directives or end of life care planning and decisions, with patient and/or surrogate (list separately in addition to code for appropriate evaluation and management service). Its Medicare coverage code is I (Not payable by Medicare): Medicare does not pay separately under this code; another code applies.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | S codes — Temporary national codes (non-Medicare) |
| Coverage code | I — Not payable by Medicare |
| Pricing indicator | 00 — Not separately priced by Medicare |
| BETOS category | Z2 |
| Added | 2005-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2005-01-01 |
What changed for S0257
- 2005-01-01: S0257 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code S0257?
S0257 is the HCPCS Level II code for counseling and discussion regarding advance directives or end of life care planning and decisions, with patient and/or surrogate (list separately in addition to code for appropriate evaluation and management service). Short descriptor: "End of life counseling".
Does Medicare cover S0257?
Coverage code I — Not payable by Medicare. Medicare does not pay separately under this code; another code applies.
Related S02 codes
- S0201 — Partial hospitalization services, less than 24 hours, per diem
- S0207 — Paramedic intercept, non-hospital-based als service (non-voluntary), non-transport
- S0208 — Paramedic intercept, hospital-based als service (non-voluntary), non-transport
- S0209 — Wheelchair van, mileage, per mile
- S0215 — Non-emergency transportation; mileage, per mile
- S0220 — Medical conference by a physician with interdisciplinary team of health professionals or representatives of community agencies to coordinate activities of patient care (patient is present); approximately 30 minutes
- S0221 — Medical conference by a physician with interdisciplinary team of health professionals or representatives of community agencies to coordinate activities of patient care (patient is present); approximately 60 minutes
- S0250 — Comprehensive geriatric assessment and treatment planning performed by assessment team
- S0255 — Hospice referral visit (advising patient and family of care options) performed by nurse, social worker, or other designated staff
- S0260 — History and physical (outpatient or office) related to surgical procedure (list separately in addition to code for appropriate evaluation and management service)
- S0265 — Genetic counseling, under physician supervision, each 15 minutes
- S0270 — Physician management of patient home care, standard monthly case rate (per 30 days)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under S0257
- Watch S0257 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for S0257
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.