HCPCS Level II · Temporary national codes (non-Medicare)
S0257Counseling 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)
✓ Active
Source: CMS HCPCS quarterly update, October 2026. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About S0257
S0257 is an HCPCS Level II code in the S series (temporary national codes (non-Medicare)), describing 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).
It was added to HCPCS effective 01/01/2005.
Its Medicare coverage code is "I", meaning it is not payable by Medicare (another code or method is used).
Details
- Short description
- End of life counseling
- Date added
- 01/01/2005
- Action effective
- 01/01/2005
- BETOS
- Z2
Related S02xx codes
- S0201Partial hospitalization services, less than 24 hours, per diem
- S0207Paramedic intercept, non-hospital-based als service (non-voluntary), non-transport
- S0208Paramedic intercept, hospital-based als service (non-voluntary), non-transport
- S0209Wheelchair van, mileage, per mile
- S0215Non-emergency transportation; mileage, per mile
- S0220Medical 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
- S0221Medical 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
- S0250Comprehensive geriatric assessment and treatment planning performed by assessment team
- S0255Hospice referral visit (advising patient and family of care options) performed by nurse, social worker, or other designated staff
- S0260History and physical (outpatient or office) related to surgical procedure (list separately in addition to code for appropriate evaluation and management service)
- S0265Genetic counseling, under physician supervision, each 15 minutes
- S0270Physician management of patient home care, standard monthly case rate (per 30 days)
Common questions about S0257
Is HCPCS S0257 still valid?
- Yes. S0257 is active in the CMS October 2026 HCPCS file.
Does Medicare cover S0257?
- Its coverage code is "I": it is not payable by Medicare (another code or method is used). Check the local coverage determination for your region.