AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 5 (May)
Starred (*) Procedures or Items (May 2001)
May 2001 pages 6-7 Back to Basics Starred (*) Procedures or Items Although we have addressed issues regarding use of starred procedure codes, confusion still seems to exist about the use of these codes. We receive questions such as: "What does the star mean?" and "What should be reported when a starred (*) surgical procedure is provided?" To help answer these and other questions, we now present this article to 1) define what a starred (*) procedure or item is, 2) identify what is included as part of starred services, and 3) identify the appropriate method to...
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Article Overview
This article reviews the CPT concept of starred procedures and how those services fit within broader surgical package concepts. It is aimed at coding professionals, billers, and clinicians who need to understand general reporting considerations for starred surgical services and related evaluation and management services. The discussion covers included components of surgical services, postoperative and preoperative service concepts, and how the article’s guidance applies across examples and code families.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding starred procedure guidance helps readers distinguish what is part of the basic surgical service from what may be separately reported. The article is useful for anyone reviewing CPT surgery guidelines, especially when assessing related evaluation and management reporting and payer-specific policies.
Article Sections
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Back to Basics
Introduces the topic and explains why starred procedures remain a source of confusion. The section frames the article’s purpose and scope.
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Starred (*) Procedures or Items
Defines the starred procedure concept in CPT and discusses its relationship to surgical packages. It also covers the general categories of services addressed by the article.
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Starred (*) Procedures with Pre-operative Evaluation and Management Services
Describes the article’s general guidance for situations involving evaluation and management services alongside starred procedures. The section also notes circumstances involving hospitalization and postoperative care.
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A Few Helpful Hints
Provides practical reminders about the scope of the starred procedure concept and mentions payer-specific considerations. It also references an example code family used to illustrate applicability.
What You Will Learn
- How CPT distinguishes starred procedures from the broader surgical package concept
- What categories of services are generally discussed in relation to starred procedures
- How the article addresses accompanying evaluation and management services
- Why payer-specific policies may affect reporting considerations
- How the starred concept applies only to codes that actually include the symbol
Who Should Read This
- CPT coders
- Medical billers
- Physician office staff
- Compliance and reimbursement professionals
- Clinicians involved in documentation and coding support
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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