CMS preview of new CPT codes includes E/M, radiology and medicine updates

Why This Topic Matters

The preview helps coding professionals anticipate upcoming CPT revisions that may affect documentation review, charge capture, and fee schedule planning for the new year. It is especially useful for organizations tracking CMS-proposed valuation changes and specialty-specific code updates.

Article Sections

1. Overview of proposed CY 2020 CPT changes

   Introduces the scope of the CMS preview and summarizes the breadth of the code updates discussed in the article.

2. Drug delivery device codes

   Covers a new family of codes related to implant preparation, insertion, and removal, along with the settings and specialties associated with their use.

3. Dry needling codes

   Describes new dry needling additions and CMS’s proposed therapy-related status for these services.

4. Pericardial drainage codes

   Summarizes new drainage-related codes and the incorporation of imaging guidance into the code family.

5. Spinal tap codes

   Reviews newly proposed lumbar puncture code changes and the distinction between services with and without image guidance.

6. Nerve block and nerve destruction codes

   Addresses new procedures involving nerve blocks and related destruction services, including imaging guidance and treatment modalities.

7. Upper gastrointestinal imaging codes

   Describes revisions to radiology coding for upper gastrointestinal examinations and related follow-through studies.

8. Biofeedback codes

   Summarizes the transition from an older biofeedback code to time-based primary and add-on reporting.

9. Ophthalmoscopy codes

   Covers revisions to extended ophthalmoscopy reporting and the creation of new eye exam code families.

10. Health behavior intervention codes

    Discusses the replacement of existing health behavior assessment codes with a new set of intervention-focused codes.