Illustrations in CPT: Every Picture Tells a Story (November 2000)

Why This Topic Matters

Illustrations can help users orient themselves within CPT and better understand procedures represented in the code set, especially when reviewing complex operative reports and code families.

Article Sections

1. Back to Basics

   Introduces the role of illustrations in CPT and frames the article as a general educational overview.

2. Illustration Process

   Describes how illustration topics are selected, developed, and reviewed before being placed in the CPT book.

3. Types of Illustrations

   Explains the broad categories of illustrations used in CPT and how they support code navigation and anatomy review.

4. Figure 1--Bones and Muscles of the Foot

   Identifies an anatomical illustration used as a reference example within the article.

5. Figure 2--Coronary Artery Bypass--Venous Grafting Only (A) / Three Coronary Venous Grafts Performed (B)

   Presents a procedural illustration example related to a specific CPT code family and its visual captioning approach.

6. Figure 3--Coronary Artery Bypass--Combined Arterial Venous Grafting (A), Sequential Combined Arterial Venous Grafting (B)

   Presents a second procedural illustration example showing a related CPT code family and how complex procedures are depicted.