CPT® 2020 Changes in Radiology Codes

CPT ® 2020 Changes in Radiology Codes The following is a list of new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ® ) codes and their descriptors as described in the CPT ® 2020 code set. This list covers only a portion of the changes in CPT ® 2020. For a complete list of the changes, please refer to the CPT ® 2020 codebook and CPT ® Changes 2020: An Insider's View. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY/INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY Gastrointestinal Tract The gastrointestinal tract codes have been revised to clarify anatomic region and specify the components that are included in order to align with other codes...

Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

articles:    previous index next
Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article summarizes a portion of the CPT 2020 radiology code updates and explains where the changes occurred across diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, cardiovascular procedures, nervous system procedures, noninvasive vascular studies, nuclear medicine, and Category III reporting. It is useful for coders, auditors, radiology billing staff, and compliance teams who need a broad understanding of the year’s revisions and the types of editorial and instructional updates included in the code set.

Why This Topic Matters

CPT annual revisions can affect reporting, code selection, and claim accuracy across multiple imaging specialties. This article helps readers quickly identify which parts of radiology coding were updated for 2020 and which sections include new guidance, deleted codes, or cross-references that may require review.

Article Sections

  1. Diagnostic Radiology / Interventional Radiology

    Summarizes code updates affecting gastrointestinal tract imaging, including newly added and revised radiology services within this specialty area.

  2. Cardiovascular System

    Covers updates to cardiovascular procedures involving pericardiocentesis, pericardial drainage, and endovascular repair-related reporting.

  3. Nervous System

    Reviews changes related to lumbar puncture reporting and the introduction of new guidance for related imaging support.

  4. Noninvasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies

    Describes new duplex scan reporting for hemodialysis access vessel assessment and the related deletion noted in the article.

  5. Nuclear Medicine

    Summarizes updates to nuclear medicine reporting, including SPECT, SPECT/CT, and myocardial PET-related code changes.

  6. Category III Codes

    Covers newly available Category III reporting for 3D anatomic modeling and related guide creation.

  7. Other Editorial Revisions as of January 1, 2020

    Notes an editorial clarification affecting abdominal and chest radiology reporting and a cross-reference update.

  8. Deleted Codes as of January 1, 2020

    Lists codes removed from the 2020 code set and points to the sections or replacements referenced in the article.

What You Will Learn

  • Which radiology-related areas were affected by CPT 2020 updates
  • How the article organizes new, revised, and deleted code activity
  • What kinds of annual editorial changes were highlighted for radiology reporting
  • Which specialty sections include new guidance or cross-references
  • How Category III and other radiology-adjacent updates were presented in the 2020 release

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Radiology billing staff
  • Coding auditors
  • Compliance professionals
  • Physician practice administrators
  • Clinical documentation staff

Codes Discussed

Code Ranges Discussed

Modifiers Discussed


Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • AMA's CPT® Assistant & CER - Current + Archives/Advanced Coding Pack

Boost Your Coding Precision with CPT Assistant

Welcome to the ultimate resource for mastering CPT coding – the CPT® Assistant. This indispensable tool, brought to you by the American Medical Association (AMA), is designed specifically for medical coders, auditors, and billers who strive for accuracy and efficiency in their daily work with patient charts. Whether you are validating codes, training staff, or appealing insurance denials, CPT Assistant provides the authoritative guidance you need to excel.

Features

CPT Assistant

  • Expert Insights: Explanations and interpretations by the CPT Assistant Editorial Board.

  • Curated Content: Articles addressing key coding topics are meticulously curated for your convenience.

  • Visual Learning: Detailed examples, charts, graphs and illustrations to help you understand correct coding practices.

  • Monthly Updates: Regular updates on the latest coding changes and best practices.

  • Extensive Archive: Access more than 25 years of historical reference material.

  • Search Capabilities: Enjoy simple and effective search functions by keyword, code number, or article index.

Advantages and Benefits

With CPT Assistant, you can navigate the complexities of medical coding with unparalleled confidence. This resource offers authoritative answers and expert explanations that help reduce coding errors, leading to fewer claim denials and streamlined appeals processes. The comprehensive archive of articles, updated monthly, ensures you always have the most current information at your fingertips, enhancing your ability to stay ahead of industry changes and trends.

CPT Assistant’s visual aids, such as anatomical illustrations and procedural charts, make complex codes easier to understand, improving your accuracy and efficiency. By integrating this resource into your daily workflow, you can save valuable time and enhance your productivity.

Furthermore, CPT Assistant supports your professional growth by providing ongoing education and insights that keep you informed about the latest coding practices. This not only boosts your professional credibility but also enhances your ability to train and support your team effectively.

Get Started Today

Unlock your full potential and boost your coding capabilities with CPT Assistant today and experience the benefits of having a reliable, comprehensive coding resource at your disposal.

Contact Find-A-Code Customer Support for more information and to get started.


Related Articles

Articles are listed in order of calculated relevance.

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.

Aimee- AI -powered coding assistant - Try it now for Free Would you like Aimee - AI
to help you with this?