CPT adds 7 E/M codes, overhauls nerve conduction studies, cardio codes

Why This Topic Matters

CPT annual updates can change what services are reportable, how practices document care, and how code selection is organized across multiple specialties. This article helps readers identify the main 2013 changes that may affect primary care, neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and spine-related billing.

Article Sections

1. New evaluation and management services

   Introduces the primary care and care-coordination related updates in the 2013 CPT release. The section focuses on the broad service categories affected and the rationale for reviewing them.

2. NCS code changes may simplify things

   Summarizes the nerve conduction study code revisions and related reporting changes. It also notes related intraoperative neurophysiology and documentation themes.

3. Cardio codes continue consolidation

   Covers cardiology and interventional procedure updates in CPT 2013. The section addresses broader consolidation and addition of new procedure families.

4. New joint revision codes for shoulder, elbow

   Describes orthopedic code additions affecting shoulder and elbow revision procedures. It also mentions a spine-related update within the musculoskeletal section.