Digestive system gets most code changes for surgical procedures as 2016 CPT codes see relatively minor updates

January 5th, 2016

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by HCPro. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article summarizes a small set of 2016 CPT changes discussed in an HCPro webcast, focusing on digestive system surgical procedure updates and a few evaluation and management revisions. It is useful for coders, HIM staff, and compliance professionals who need a high-level understanding of which CPT areas changed, what broad categories of procedures were affected, and which general reporting topics were highlighted.

Why This Topic Matters

Even relatively small annual CPT updates can affect code selection, documentation review, and charge capture workflows. This summary helps coding and HIM teams quickly determine whether the article is relevant to digestive system procedures, GERD-related services, percutaneous biliary work, prolonged services, and related modifier use.

Article Sections

  1. Digestive system updates

    Overview of the digestive system portion of the 2016 CPT update, with emphasis on percutaneous biliary procedures, stenting, transoral upper endoscopy, and percutaneous sclerotherapy. The section also notes related general reporting topics and bundled components.

  2. Minor changes made to E/M

    Summary of the evaluation and management changes for 2016, including revisions to prolonged service add-on codes and newly added prolonged clinical staff service codes. The section addresses the general scope of the E/M updates and related supervision context.

What You Will Learn

  • Which broad CPT sections received the most attention in the 2016 update
  • What types of digestive system procedures were newly addressed
  • What general E/M categories were revised or added
  • How the article frames bundled reporting changes and prolonged services
  • Which reporting topics were highlighted in the webcast discussion

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • HIM professionals
  • Coding compliance staff
  • Revenue cycle teams
  • Physician practice managers

Codes Discussed

  • CPT: 21805
  • CPT: 47531
  • CPT: 47532
  • CPT: 47533
  • CPT: 47534
  • CPT: 47535
  • CPT: 47536
  • CPT: 47537
  • CPT: 47538
  • CPT: 47539
  • CPT: 47540
  • CPT: 43210
  • CPT: 49185
  • CPT: 99354
  • CPT: 99355
  • CPT: 99415
  • CPT: 99416
  • Category III: 0392T
  • Category III: 0393T

Modifiers Discussed

  • CPT: -59

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