Every year, the current procedural code set is updated by AMA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid before it implementation. If you are looking for CPT Code Updates 2024, this article is for you.
The 2024 CPT code updates comprise 349 modifications, with 230 additions, 49 deletions, and 70 revisions. According to 2024 Medicare coding updates, the increased number of codes is 11,163.
It is important for physicians to stay updated with these updates. This comprehensive guide highlights the key changes and their implications for practitioners and patients to enhance the clarity and usability of the CPT codes.
A prominent change in the 2024 update is the introduction of Spanish language descriptors for more than 11,000 treatments and services for the Latinx community, comprising of approximately 41 million Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States, to better understand their healthcare needs.
A detailed Overview of New and Revised Codes for 2024
New COVID-19 Codes:
The introduction of unique codes for COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna is a significant update. The purpose of these codes (91318-91322) is to accurately report and track COVID-19 vaccinations.
Evaluation and Management (E/M):
The code updates 2024 have reduced the documentation burden by standardizing the E/M sections. The changes include outpatient visit E/M coding change to align with other E/M codes. These codes include 99202-99205 and 99212-99215. The provider who spent more time with a patient would report the service in a shared visit.
RSV Immunization:
The addition of new codes for RSV immunizations (90380-90381, 90683, 90679, and 90678) reflects recent developments in RSV prevention. These codes are helpful to meet new healthcare requirements.
Hematology and Oncology Code Updates:
The hematology and oncology code updates include (0269U, 0271U, 0272U, etc.) to improve the accuracy of coding.
The AMA’s updates ensure that the editorial process of CPT codes remain relevant and according to the latest medical practices. Practitioners need to remain vigilant in staying up-to-date with these changes to ensure the set standards of patient care with billing accuracy.
Changed CPT Codes:
- 99217-99220: These codes of hospital observation services have now been replaced by new codes 99315-99318.
- 99241 is the office consultation code, and now replaced by new CPT codes 99315-99318
- 99251 is for inpatient consultation, which is not replaced by the new codes 99315 – 99318.
PLA CPT Coding New Additions:
0420U-0438U codes for proprietary laboratory analysis for cancer, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases.
Revisions to PLA CPT Codes:
- 0351U revised code for tyrosinemia follow-up panel, blood spot, self-collect, and laboratory developed test.
- 0356U is the revised code for kidney disease (nephrology)
Deletion in PLA CPT Codes:
0066U for PartoSureTM Test
Additional Changes in the CPT Code Set 2024:
- The observation services codes (99315-99318) are based on the amount of time and resources spent for providing care to the patients.
- The new office consultation codes (99315–99318) and new inpatient consultation codes (99315–99318) depend on the amount of time spent and the complexity of the patients’ case.
- The custodial care codes (99324–99337), the home visits new patient code (99343) and the prolonged services add-on codes have been deleted because they are no longer used.
New COVID-19 Vaccine Codes
The newly formulated COVID 19 shots have been introduced to target emerging variants, therefore, their codes have been revised.
- 90480: This is a universal administration CPT code for COVID-19 (for all ages)
- 91318: Pfizer for intramuscular use, 3 mg/0.2 ml dosage (6 months to 4 years)
- 91319: Pfizer for intramuscular use, 10 mcg/0.2 ml dosage. (5 years to 11 years)
- 91320: Pfizer 30mcg/0.3ml dosage (12 years and older)
- 91321: Moderna for intramuscular use 25 mcg/0.25 ml dosage. (6 months to 11 years)
- 91322: Moderna 50 mg/0.5 mL dosage for intramuscular use (12 years and older)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Codes:
The new codes for the administration of nirsevimab to protect infants and toddlers from RSC infection have introduced.
- 90380 monoclonal antibody for intramuscular use 0.5 ml dosage
- 90381 monoclonal antibody for intramuscular use 1 ml dosage
- 90678-90679 for vaccines recommended for people ages 60 and older
- 90683 respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for intramuscular use is also available.
Musculoskeletal System
There are three new codes for treatment of scoliosis.
- 22836: when performed, up to seven vertebral segments
- 22837: when performed for eight or more vertebral segments
- 22838: for the revision, removal, or replacement of thoracic vertebral body tethering
- 27278: a new code for sacroiliac joint arthrodesis
- 28292-28299 for the correction of the hallux valgus family.
New Surgery Codes:
Cardiovascular system:
33276-33288: New codes for the phrenic nerve stimulation system
Urinary System:
52284, for cystourethroscopy
Female Genital System:
58580 for radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids that includes ultrasound guidance and monitoring.
Nervous System:
- New Nervous system codes are 61889 for insertion, 61891 for revision or replacement, and 61892 for removal.
- Revised codes for new system are surgery codes 63685 63688, 64590, and 64595
Radiology:
New Codes
- 75580 for reporting a noninvasive coronary fractional flow reserve
- 76984 for diagnostic intraoperative aorta ultrasound
- 76987, 76988, and 76989 for epicardial ultrasound
Deleted Codes:
74710: The pelvimetry code has been deleted
Deletion of obsolete codes:
The 2024 CPT codes updates deleted the following codes: 99441-99443 and 0404T-0775T to eliminate outdated codes and keep the code set reflective of modern medical practices.
- 49652-49657 – Laparoscopy codes
- 99217-99220 – Hospital observation services
- 99318 – Nursing facility services
- 99241- office consultation
- 99251- Inpatient consultation
- 99343-New patients’ home visits.
- 99324-99328 Custodial care codes
- 99334-99337 Custodial care codes for new patients of nursing facilities.
- 99354-99357 prolonged services add-on codes
The AMA’s updates ensure that the editorial process of CPT codes remain relevant and according to the latest medical practices. Practitioners need to remain vigilant in staying up to date with these changes to ensure the set standards of patient care with billing accuracy.
Challenges and Benefits from Medicare Coding updates 2024:
The CPT coding updates for 2024 comprise many benefits but there will also be multiple challenges as practitioners need to educate their staff on the new codes. However, these coding updates improve the billing and coding processes.
Providers should be aware of the changes in the CPT codes 2024 and update their billing accordingly to ensure compliance with the new codes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AMA CPT code book?
The American Medical Association (AMA) publishes the AMA CPT code book, which contains all the current CPT codes.
How can I find this book?
It is available from the AMA website or other medical booksellers.
What is the purpose of the CPT code set?
The CPT code set is a standardized system to submit details of medical treatments taken by patients to their insurance companies to get reimbursements. Doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers use them to ensure they get their payments accurately.
