CPT update: 2017 CPT changes affect moderate sedation, spinal cages, bunionectomy codes

Why This Topic Matters

These annual CPT revisions affect how services are reported, how supporting documentation is interpreted, and how payers may process claims. Reviewing the changes helps practices prepare for updated coding workflows and avoid outdated reporting conventions.

Article Sections

1. Moderate sedation changes

   CPT changes affecting moderate sedation reporting and related guidance for service timing and modifier use.

2. Ortho changes

   Updates involving spinal cages, interspinous process stabilization devices, pelvic ring fracture treatment, and bunionectomy procedure codes.

3. Spinal injection and imaging changes

   Revisions to spinal procedure guidance, imaging-related reporting, needle guidance, and endoscopic spinal cord service coding.

4. Influenza vaccine codes

   Changes to influenza vaccine reporting, including descriptor updates and a new vaccine code.

5. Quality reporting modifiers

   Guidance on the use of selected quality reporting modifiers in connection with category II CPT codes.

6. Telemedicine modifier

   Introduction of a telemedicine modifier and discussion of code eligibility for its use.

7. Health risk assessment codes

   New patient-focused and caregiver-focused health risk assessment reporting options.

8. Wound care and athletic training evaluation

   Updates to wound care reporting and the introduction of athletic training evaluation codes.