2018 CPT update: Bone marrow aspiration codes set to change next year, CMS says

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps coding professionals anticipate upcoming CPT manual changes that may affect documentation review, charge capture, and payer reporting workflows across several common service areas.

Article Sections

1. Bone marrow aspiration and related services

   Introduces upcoming changes in the bone marrow and stem cell services area, including new and revised reporting categories described by CMS. The section also places these updates in the context of broader CPT previewed changes for 2018.

2. Nerve repair using allograft

   Summarizes new reporting structure for nerve repair services involving allograft and discusses CMS commentary on how the service is being organized in the fee schedule.

3. Chest and abdomen X-rays reported by view

   Describes imaging-related CPT changes for chest and abdomen radiology services and explains the general shift in how these studies are organized for reporting.

4. Subsequent encounter services for orthotic and prosthetic training

   Reviews revisions to orthotic and prosthetic management and training services, including the introduction of new encounter-based distinctions and related therapy policy considerations.

5. Head and neck muscle graft code replaced with two new codes

   Covers revisions in the flap service category, including the replacement of an older code with two new reporting options that distinguish procedural scope and site-related features.

6. Other changes previewed for 2018

   Notes additional CPT updates mentioned by CMS, including preventive services, anesthesia, and endovascular procedure categories.