CPT® 2020 Updates: See What’s New in Radiology for CPT® 2020

Why This Topic Matters

Radiology coding depends heavily on precise code language, and annual revisions can affect how services are described within the CPT® manual. This update helps readers identify which radiology topics changed in 2020 so they can review the relevant portions of the code set and stay current with annual maintenance changes.

Article Sections

1. Fundamental code description changes to 74022

   Discusses a major revision within abdominal radiography and why the updated wording was highlighted for 2020. The section focuses on how the change fits into the broader radiology update set.

2. 74210-74248 overhaul

   Covers a broad set of revised and newly added radiologic examination codes for the pharynx, esophagus, and upper gastrointestinal tract. The section also notes related deletions and the expansion of related imaging reporting categories.

3. Don’t discount the power of the semicolon

   Reviews additional radiology code revisions and deletions involving swallowing and upper gastrointestinal studies. The section explains how formatting and parenthetical structure are part of the 2020 changes.