CPT® 2018: Get Ready for These 5 Major Coding Changes Effective Jan. 1

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps coding professionals identify where CPT 2018 changes may affect workflow, charge capture, and code lookup across several commonly used service categories. It is especially relevant for teams preparing for annual code set updates and comparing prior-year guidance with the revised manual.

Article Sections

1. Overhaul to the Chest X-Ray Section

   Discusses changes to the chest radiology section of CPT 2018 and the broader shift in how the imaging group is organized. The section also notes deletion activity affecting the prior year's entries.

2. Updates to Abdominal X-Ray Codes

   Covers revisions in the abdominal radiology portion of CPT 2018 and the transition away from the prior abdominal x-ray entries. The discussion focuses on the section-level update and its impact on code lookup.

3. Ultrasound of Extremities Descriptors Expand

   Reviews updated ultrasound wording for extremity-related services in CPT 2018. The section addresses descriptor expansion and related documentation expectations for the revised ultrasound entries.

4. Update Lab Test, Needle Introduction Codes

   Summarizes new laboratory testing entries and a descriptor update in another CPT section. The material highlights that the affected codes span infectious disease testing and vascular access terminology.

5. Subtle Language Change to Observation Codes 99217-99220

   Explains a wording change in the observation care portion of CPT and notes the affected code group. The section centers on revised section language rather than a new service family.