CPT 2006: Review of many significant changes for surgeons in the just-released Manual

Why This Topic Matters

CPT annual updates can alter how surgical services are reported, organized, and reimbursed. This article helps readers identify which parts of the 2006 manual changed so they can review their coding workflows and documentation practices.

Article Sections

1. E/M services

   Discusses changes affecting evaluation and management coding, including deleted consultation and facility visit code groups and the introduction of new nursing and rest home reporting structure.

2. Skin grafts overhauled

   Summarizes the reorganization of skin graft-related coding, including new code families and deleted legacy entries in the graft and wound coverage area.

3. Burn codes reorganized

   Covers the restructuring of burn care coding and related code deletions and revisions within that section.

4. New codes for endovascular TAA repair

   Reviews new thoracic aneurysm repair-related code additions, associated radiology codes, and related revisions to adjacent vascular surgery entries.

5. Contrast injection for central venous access device

   Explains the addition of a radiologic contrast injection code associated with evaluation of existing central venous access devices.

6. Saphenous vein ligations

   Describes changes to venous ligation and stripping coding, including deletions and replacement entries for greater and lesser saphenous procedures.

7. Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy

   Summarizes the new thrombectomy code structure for arterial, graft, and venous interventions, including initial and subsequent service reporting.

8. Bariatric procedures

   Covers the expansion of bariatric surgery coding with new laparoscopic and open procedure options and related deletions and revisions.

9. Laparoscopic intestinal surgery codes

   Reviews laparoscopic bowel-related code deletions, replacements, and new procedure options for intestinal and ostomy-related services.

10. New codes for laparoscopic, open proctectomies

    Covers new and revised colorectal and rectal procedure codes, including laparoscopic and open approaches and related anorectal services.

11. Injection, conscious sedation codes reorganized

    Describes the reorganization of injection, infusion, and sedation coding, including deleted legacy codes and new code groupings for related services.

12. Conscious sedation codes replaced

    Summarizes the replacement of older moderate sedation codes with a new set structured by patient age and whether the same or different provider furnishes the sedation.