AMA CPT® Assistant - 2015 Issue 7 (July)
Coding Update: Ablation Therapy of Bone Tumors (20982-20983) (July 2015)
July 2015 page 8 Coding Update: Ablation Therapy of Bone Tumors (20982-20983) The codes for reporting ablation therapy of bone tumors were updated in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) 2015 code set to include a new method used, when this procedure is performed. The descriptor for code 20982 was revised, and one new code (20983) was established for reporting percutaneous bone tumor ablation therapy using cryoablation, which is a new treatment method that uses extreme cold to destroy the bone tumor, as opposed to radiofrequency ablation that uses extreme heat. Previously, radiofrequency ablation therapy of bone tumors was...
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Article Overview
This July 2015 coding update explains a CPT revision affecting percutaneous ablation therapy for bone tumors. It is aimed at coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who need to understand the scope of the update, the reporting context for imaging guidance and sedation, and the article’s included clinical example for the new reporting scenario. The article also highlights the relationship between the updated CPT content and previously used reporting approaches.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting for evolving interventional oncology procedures depends on recognizing when coding definitions, bundled services, and reporting conventions have changed. This article helps readers identify the 2015 CPT update and the surrounding documentation considerations without relying on outdated billing practices.
Article Sections
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July 2015 page 8
Publication context for the coding update and article placement within the source issue.
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Coding Update: Ablation Therapy of Bone Tumors (20982-20983)
Overview of the CPT update for bone tumor ablation therapy, including the general procedural setting and why the change is relevant to reporting.
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Clinical Example (20983)
A representative case illustrating the type of encounter discussed for the new reporting scenario.
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Description of Procedure (20983)
Step-by-step procedural narrative describing the clinical workflow and documentation context for the example case.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames the 2015 CPT update for bone tumor ablation therapy
- What broader procedural and documentation issues are associated with the update
- How the article presents the included clinical example and procedure narrative
- Which general reporting topics are discussed alongside the updated CPT content
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing specialists
- Clinical documentation staff
- Revenue cycle teams
- Interventional radiology and oncology practices
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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