CPT® Update: Renew Vascular Coding Know How for 2020

Why This Topic Matters

The changes covered here can affect how common vascular and pericardial procedures are reported, especially when code families are reorganized or when guidance and bundling notes are updated. Knowing the scope of these changes helps coding teams prepare for the new year and avoid avoidable claim problems.

Article Sections

1. Upgrade Pericardial Procedure Coding

   Summarizes the CPT® 2020 changes affecting pericardial drainage procedures and the associated guidance notes. The section also discusses deletion, replacement, and related bundled guidance within this area.

2. Explore Changes for Exploration Services Coding

   Reviews the reworking of an arterial exploration code family, including revisions, deletions, and newly added codes organized by arterial groups. The section focuses on how the code family structure changes for reporting purposes.

3. Update Endovascular Repair Coding

   Covers CPT® 2020 changes related to iliac artery endovascular repair, including deleted and newly added codes plus a distinction between related procedure scenarios. The section also notes broader guidance updates within the abdominal aorta and iliac artery subsection.