CPT Code Changes in 2021, Early Release Codes, and Anticipated Code Changes for CPT 2022

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding upcoming and newly released CPT changes helps coding teams monitor documentation, workflow, and reporting impacts in radiology-related services without waiting for the full annual update cycle.

Article Sections

1. CPT 2021 code set: new Category III codes

   Introduces the 2021 radiology-related Category III additions and describes the broad service areas these updates address. The section focuses on new reporting categories and their relationship to emerging technologies.

2. Breast Computed Tomography

   Covers the breast imaging topic area and the development of a separate CPT reporting family for this service. The discussion places the update in the context of radiology imaging and equipment considerations.

3. Percutaneous Lumbar Spine Allogeneic Injection

   Summarizes a new lumbar spine therapeutic procedure area added to CPT 2021. The section describes the general clinical and procedural context for reporting this type of service.

4. Automated Advanced Coronary Analysis

   Describes the coronary imaging analysis topic and related radiology reporting update. It explains the broader purpose of the new reporting family and the diagnostic setting in which it applies.

5. Category III codes: Early release in 2020

   Reviews early-release radiology-related Category III additions made available before the full annual cycle. The section outlines the general technology area and effective-date timing.

6. Quantitative mp-MRI

   Covers the magnetic resonance imaging topic area and the early-release reporting category associated with quantitative analysis. The discussion is limited to the general technology and reporting context.

7. CPT 2022 code set: new Category I codes

   Introduces anticipated radiology diagnostic updates planned for the 2022 CPT code set. The section summarizes the major service areas expected to receive new reporting options.

8. Diagnostic Radiology: Trabecular Bone Score

   Addresses a bone measurement and fracture-risk assessment topic within diagnostic radiology. The section discusses the general purpose of the upcoming reporting updates.

9. Diagnostic Radiology: Destruction of Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve

   Covers a spinal pain treatment topic and the related diagnostic radiology coding update. It also notes the related CPT cross-reference location discussed in the article.