Anticipated Code Changes for CPT® 2018

Why This Topic Matters

Upcoming CPT code changes can affect charge capture, documentation workflow, and how common radiology and interventional services are reported. Reviewing these anticipated updates helps organizations prepare for codebook revisions, new reporting categories, and modifier-related changes before implementation.

Article Sections

1. Anticipated Code Changes for CPT® 2019

   Introduces the scope of the upcoming CPT code changes and summarizes the major areas affected. It frames the article around radiology, interventional radiology, and code set updates for the next cycle.

2. Diagnostic Radiology

   Covers anticipated changes in imaging-related reporting, including bundled service revisions, deletions, and new code families. The section spans several imaging modalities and associated guideline updates.

3. Fine Needle Aspiration

   Discusses proposed changes affecting reporting for this diagnostic service within radiology coding. It describes anticipated code restructuring and related radiologic supervision concepts at a high level.

4. Breast MRI with CAD

   Summarizes planned updates for breast MRI reporting and the transition of certain related reporting categories. It notes that code families in this area are expected to be revised and reorganized.

5. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)

   Addresses proposed additions for ultrasound procedures using contrast-enhanced imaging. The section focuses on a new reporting area within diagnostic ultrasound.

6. Ultrasound Elastography (USE)

   Covers anticipated replacement of existing ultrasound elastography reporting with a revised code structure. The discussion centers on documentation and reporting distinctions for this technology.

7. Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)

   Introduces a new reporting category for a magnetic resonance imaging technology. The section explains that this service is expected to gain its own CPT representation.

8. Knee Arthrography

   Reviews anticipated changes related to contrast injection and knee arthrography reporting. The section links the service to possible code replacement and broader imaging context.

9. Fluoroscopy

   Notes planned changes affecting a fluoroscopy service code. The discussion centers on deletion considerations tied to low-volume use and reporting concerns.

10. Interventional Radiology

    Summarizes updates in procedural imaging and vascular access reporting. The section includes anticipated revisions for urinary tract, central venous access, and tube replacement services.

11. Dilation of Urinary Tract

    Covers planned revisions for endourologic urinary tract dilation reporting. It references new guidance and replacement of an existing code family.

12. Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

    Addresses changes to PICC-related reporting and associated imaging guidance updates. The section also mentions revisions to surrounding guideline language and parenthetical notes.

13. Gastrostomy Tube Replacement

    Describes anticipated restructuring of reporting for gastrostomy tube replacement services. The section focuses on differentiating levels of replacement work in the code set.

14. Category III

    Summarizes upcoming Category III additions for emerging technologies and tracking purposes. It highlights new reporting areas for imaging and quantitative nuclear medicine services.

15. Bone Density Ultrasound

    Covers a proposed Category III code for ultrasound-based bone density measurement. The section places the service in the context of technology documentation and tracking.

16. PET Absolute Quantitation Myocardial Blood Flow

    Addresses a proposed Category III code for a myocardial perfusion quantitation service using PET. The section centers on rest and stress reporting for this imaging application.

17. Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Patient Relationship Modifiers

    Introduces anticipated development of patient relationship modifiers under MIPS. The section explains that these modifiers are intended to support attribution and cost-performance reporting.