AMA CPT® Assistant - 2023 Issue 3 (March)
Questions and Answers (March 2023)
March 2023 page 31 Questions and Answers Surgery: Integumentary System Question: The dermatology department will soon begin using noninvasive artificial/augmented intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyze unclipped trichoscopy images in the treatment planning for patients with alopecia. The imaging software will count hair follicles, among other things, which will then be used for treatment planning and monitoring. What is an appropriate code to report for this service? Answer: There is currently no specific CPT code to report the service described. However, the physician’s work may be captured and reported with an appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) services code for the...
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Article Overview
This article compiles several March 2023 coding questions and answers from CPT Assistant across multiple clinical areas. It addresses whether specific services are reportable, how to think about documentation support, and which general CPT categories or unlisted-code approaches are relevant for cases involving surgery, diagnostic ultrasound, molecular pathology, and transcatheter valve procedures. It is useful for coders, billers, physicians, and compliance staff who need to understand how the article frames these scenarios.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers identify whether their case aligns with the scenarios discussed and understand the broad documentation and reporting themes addressed in the Q&A format. It is especially relevant when evaluating procedure specificity, use of unlisted codes, and whether a service is better captured under another CPT framework.
Article Sections
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Surgery: Integumentary System
Questions and answers about dermatology imaging support and reporting considerations for an AI-assisted hair evaluation workflow.
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Surgery: Musculoskeletal System
Questions and answers about compartment pressure monitoring and related reporting circumstances in musculoskeletal care.
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Surgery: Respiratory System
Questions and answers about posttraumatic chest wall reconstruction and how the article frames timing and documentation issues.
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Surgery: Cardiovascular System
Questions and answers about vascular and cardiac surgical reporting, including situations involving uncommon procedures and combined operative work.
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Surgery: Digestive System
Questions and answers about repair of injuries encountered during surgery and reporting issues in complex abdominal procedures.
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Radiology: Diagnostic Ultrasound
Questions and answers about transvaginal ultrasound documentation and what the report needs to reflect for the service to be supportable.
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Pathology and Laboratory: Tier 2 Molecular Pathology Procedures
Questions and answers about molecular testing panels, tiered CPT reporting, and handling analytes that are or are not specifically listed.
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Category III Codes
Questions and answers about a transcatheter valve procedure and the CPT Category III framework relevant to the service.
What You Will Learn
- Which broad CPT reporting issues are addressed across multiple specialties.
- How the article approaches documentation support for selected procedures and imaging services.
- When the article points readers toward unlisted or more specific CPT reporting options.
- How the Q&A discusses molecular pathology panel reporting and Category III procedure selection.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Physicians
- Compliance professionals
- Revenue cycle teams
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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