Unlocking the 2024 CPT Updates: What You Need to Know
Unlocking the 2024 CPT Updates: What You Need to Know
The world of health information management is once again abuzz with the anticipation of the upcoming 2024 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) updates. This year’s changes are nothing short of revolutionary, with 349 editorial adjustments, including 230 additions, 49 deletions, and 70 revisions. In total, over 11,000 medical procedures and services are receiving an updated coding system. If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with the latest developments in healthcare coding, let us take a closer look at what is in store for 2024.
The Language of Inclusivity
In 2024, CPT codes will be a vital tool for making healthcare more accessible to individuals regardless of their language proficiency. The inclusion of Spanish language descriptors for over 11,000 healthcare services marks a significant milestone in this regard. This update is a game-changer, as it is expected to help bridge the language divide and ensure that healthcare is genuinely universal.
Highlights of the 2024 CPT Updates
Streamlining Immunizations
As part of their ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline the CPT reporting system, the AMA is consolidating over 50 previous codes for reporting immunizations for COVID-19. This move aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the reporting process, empowering healthcare providers to better track and manage these vital procedures. This initiative will enable the healthcare industry to address the current challenges and provide high-quality care to patients more effectively.
Vaccine Innovations
The year 2024 brings the approval of provisional codes (91318-91322) to identify monovalent vaccine products from Moderna and Pfizer for COVID-19 immunization. These codes will be effective once the monovalent vaccine products receive the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Plus, a brand-new vaccine administration code (90480) is set to replace all the previously approved product-specific vaccine administration codes.
RSV Insights
Keeping an eye on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is crucial. Five new CPT codes (90380, 90381, 90683, 90679, and 90678) make tracking, reporting, and analysis easier. It’s all about staying ahead of the game when it comes to this condition. Healthcare is all about precision, and using these codes enables providers to manage patient care effectively and ensure that the appropriate treatments are administered.
E/M Clarity
CMS has requested clarifications for Evaluation and Management (E/M) services. The changes include removing time ranges from office or other outpatient visit codes (99202-99205, 99212-99215) to align them with other E/M codes. Additionally, there’s a clear definition to determine the “substantive portion” of a split/shared E/M visit, where a physician and a non-physician practitioner work together. The updates also provide instructions for reporting hospital inpatient or observation care services and admission and discharge services for the use of codes 99234-99236 when the patient’s stay crosses over two calendar dates.
Get Ready for the Future
With January 1, 2024, fast approaching, it’s time to prepare for these 2024 CPT updates. YES is your go-to source for comprehensive presentations that will get you and your staff up to speed on all things CPT. In addition, stay ahead of the curve by visiting our CPT Coding Resource Center.
The 2024 CPT updates are set to revolutionize the world of healthcare coding. From inclusivity in language to streamlined processes, vaccine innovations, and greater clarity in E/M services, these changes are paving the way for a brighter future. Get ready to embrace the future of healthcare coding, and remember, YES has all the resources your team needs to understand these changes.
