CPT 2018 update delivers 4 new E/M codes, mass revisions and updates

Why This Topic Matters

Annual CPT revisions can change reporting workflows, affect payer submissions, and alter how common services are categorized across specialties. This summary helps readers quickly determine whether the article covers the chapters, service types, and code families relevant to their practice.

Article Sections

1. Overview of 2018 CPT changes

   Introduces the scale and general types of changes in the 2018 CPT manual, including new, revised, and deleted items. Also notes the inclusion of updated guidance in selected areas.

2. Behavioral health and cognitive assessment crosswalks

   Covers the transition from HCPCS to CPT for selected behavioral health and cognitive assessment services. This section also presents the broader grouping of related evaluation and management updates.

3. Observation E/M code revisions

   Summarizes changes to observation-related evaluation and management reporting. The section focuses on revised wording affecting observation status and discharge/initial care services.

4. Vaccines and anticoagulation management

   Reviews new vaccine reporting options and a management service for anticoagulation care. It also notes when certain vaccine-related services first appeared in the CPT book.

5. Surgical code updates

   Describes a range of surgical chapter updates, including additions, revisions, deletions, and expanded reporting options. Topics include flap repair, tumor cavity preparation, bone marrow aspiration, endoscopy, airway procedures, ablation, cardiac replacement systems, aortic aneurysm repair, and arterial access reporting.

6. News in the nervous system

   Covers selected nervous system chapter changes, including nerve repair services and neurostimulator-related revisions. The section also notes a deletion affecting one implant-related service.

7. Diagnostic and pathology testing updates

   Summarizes updates in imaging and pathology-related reporting. Topics include chest and abdominal radiology, musculoskeletal ultrasound, genetic and infectious disease testing, and drug screen family changes.

8. Anesthesia adds, drops codes

   Reviews anesthesia code changes for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and selected deleted low-volume services. The section highlights expanded specificity in anesthesia reporting for procedure categories.