Part B Coding Coach: New EBUS Codes Lead These Pulmonology Code Additions, Revisions, and Deletions

Why This Topic Matters

The article matters because it highlights code-set changes that can affect claim submission, documentation alignment, and code maintenance for pulmonology services. It helps readers understand which areas of the code set were updated for the new year and which obsolete entries were removed.

Article Sections

1. Say Hello to New EBUS Codes and Goodbye to +31620

   Introduces new bronchoscopy-related reporting options associated with endobronchial ultrasound and discusses the transition away from an older add-on code. The section also frames the update in the context of pulmonology procedure reporting for the upcoming year.

2. Read Up On 2 New Mediastinoscopy Codes

   Summarizes new mediastinoscopy reporting options and explains that they expand the scope of an existing procedure category. The section places the changes in the context of mediastinal biopsy and staging-related services.

3. Don’t Overlook These Revised Codes

   Covers updates to existing CPT descriptors and notes language changes affecting bronchoscopy-related and inhalation-treatment entries. The section focuses on revised wording rather than new procedures.

4. Don’t Use These Deleted Codes After Jan. 2016

   Identifies code removals effective for 2016 and explains that the deleted entries include temporary Category III codes. The section also notes the broader purpose of Category III coding.