CPT® 2014 Update: Read Between The Lines To Find New Language In The 2014 CPT® Book

Why This Topic Matters

These updates can affect how certain evaluation and management, consultation, and surgical services are recognized and reported. Understanding the scope of the changes helps coding professionals stay aligned with the CPT 2014 manual and related documentation guidance.

Article Sections

1. Updates to complex chronic care coordination

   This section discusses new introductory language associated with chronic care coordination services and the type of patient population described in the updated guidance.

2. Telephone or internet consultation codes and related E/M guidance

   This section reviews new interprofessional consultation reporting guidance and a related instruction connected to hospital discharge and observation services.

3. New surgical code for fluid drainage

   This section introduces a new CPT surgical code in the skin and related structures area and notes a general reporting feature associated with the new code.

4. Deleted complex repair code

   This section identifies a deleted complex repair code and notes where coders should look within the CPT family for smaller repairs.

5. Revised Appendix C preamble language

   This section explains changes to the preamble language for Appendix C clinical examples and how the updated wording frames their use within the CPT manual.