decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2019 Issue 10 (October)
2020 CPT codes: Prepare for new drug implant, nerve injection and destruction codes
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Article Overview
This article explains a set of 2020 CPT changes relevant to orthopedic and procedural practices, with emphasis on new add-on services, nerve injection and destruction reporting, grafting code updates, and online evaluation and management services. It is useful for coders, billers, and compliance staff who need a high-level view of what changed in the 2020 CPT manual and how the changes relate to Medicare coverage discussions and specialty-specific documentation.
Why This Topic Matters
The 2020 CPT update includes multiple new, revised, and deleted codes that affect common orthopedic and musculoskeletal procedures, plus remote E/M reporting changes. Understanding the scope of these updates helps practices prepare for documentation, code set transitions, and payer alignment.
Article Sections
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Orthopedic musculoskeletal add-on codes
Introduces the new musculoskeletal add-on services discussed in the 2020 CPT update and summarizes the general reporting context for orthopedic practices.
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Document manual preparation
Covers the documentation theme for manual preparation and implantation of drug-delivery devices and the general relationship to associated primary procedures.
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Needle insertion, no injection
Discusses the dry needling-related CPT changes and distinguishes them broadly from other needle-based services and acupuncture.
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Goodbye tissue graft code 20926
Reviews the tissue graft coding change, including the transition to newer grafting code families in the 2020 CPT manual.
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Prepare for nervous system changes
Summarizes new nerve block and destruction reporting for genicular and sacroiliac joint-related services, along with related modifier and imaging guidance topics.
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Go online with E/M services
Describes the new time-based online evaluation and management services and the related coverage context for remote patient communication services.
What You Will Learn
- What categories of CPT updates were introduced for 2020
- Which orthopedic and musculoskeletal services were affected by code changes
- How the article frames documentation themes for device preparation and implantation
- What general distinctions are discussed for dry needling, nerve blocks, and related services
- How online evaluation and management services were expanded in the 2020 CPT manual
Who Should Read This
- Orthopedic coders
- Medical billers
- Compliance staff
- Physician practices
- Practice managers
- Coding educators
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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