Part B Coding Coach: Look to New Cat. I Codes for Bronchial Thermoplasty and Airway Sizing

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps pulmonology coders and billers track major CPT code changes that affect reporting, claim submission, and reimbursement for common respiratory procedures. It is especially relevant for practices that document thoracentesis, pleural drainage, bronchial valve work, bronchial thermoplasty, and associated imaging guidance.

Article Sections

1. Bronchial valve and thermoplasty code changes

   Covers the transition from older temporary codes to updated CPT reporting for selected bronchial valve and bronchial thermoplasty services. The section also notes the timing of the changes and discusses how the updates affect pulmonary procedure reporting.

2. Thoracentesis and pleural drainage code updates

   Summarizes new CPT reporting options for thoracentesis and pleural drainage procedures. It highlights the related code revisions that affect pleural space aspiration and catheter-based drainage.

3. Imaging guidance and pneumocentesis reminder

   Explains that imaging guidance is bundled into certain thoracentesis-related codes and identifies a separate reminder about a deleted pneumocentesis code. The section also points to the alternate CPT reporting direction mentioned in the article.