New Codes for Reporting Acupuncture (January 2005)

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers recognize a significant CPT coding change for acupuncture services and understand the surrounding guidance that affects accurate reporting in clinical documentation and claims processing.

Article Sections

1. January 2005 pages 16-45

   Publication context for the coding communication and the update discussed in the article.

2. Coding Communication: New Codes for Reporting Acupuncture

   Overview of the acupuncture reporting update, including the reason for the CPT change and the general scope of the new subsection.

3. Notice of Correction

   A correction notice addressing a punctuation issue in the published code descriptors and its relation to the accompanying indented codes.

4. Modifier 25

   General guidance on when the modifier may be appended in connection with a separately identifiable evaluation and management service on the same day as another service.

5. Description of Procedure 97810

   Illustrative narrative examples showing the type of acupuncture encounter associated with the non-electrical service category, including patient preparation and treatment flow.

6. Description of Procedure 97813

   Illustrative narrative examples showing the type of acupuncture encounter associated with the electrical stimulation service category, including patient preparation, treatment, and reassessment.

7. Summary

   Closing discussion of the coding transition from earlier acupuncture reporting to the new code structure and its broader reporting implications.