CPT code changes for the respiratory system

Why This Topic Matters

These updates affect how respiratory and adjacent endoscopic procedures are reported in CPT. Understanding the scope of the revisions helps coding professionals recognize which services were newly added, which were renamed or revised, and how bundled operative documentation is presented in the article.

Article Sections

1. Overview of 2017 respiratory system CPT changes

   Introduces the timing and general scope of the CPT updates discussed in the article. Summarizes the focus on respiratory system endoscopy and related reporting guidance.

2. Laryngoscopy anatomy and code revisions

   Describes the anatomic areas examined during laryngoscopy and explains the broad nature of the changes to laryngeal endoscopy reporting. Notes the distinction between flexible and rigid services and the removal of certain terminology from code descriptors.

3. New CPT codes for flexible laryngoscopy

   Lists newly introduced CPT entries in the laryngoscopy family and places them in the context of 2017 code set changes. The section is presented as a code table in the source.

4. Revised CPT codes for laryngoscopy

   Presents updated laryngoscopy codes alongside their prior-year versions for comparison. The source emphasizes descriptor revisions and related note changes.

5. Medicine section revisions related to larynx endoscopy

   Explains that additional CPT medicine-section entries were revised because of changes in the larynx endoscopy subsection. The section presents updated swallowing and laryngeal sensory testing services in tabular form.

6. Triple endoscopy documentation scenario

   Presents a documentation-based operative scenario involving multiple endoscopic procedures during the same encounter. The article frames the question around how the reported services are supported by the operative report.