What is CPT?
CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology and is the most widely used coding system for medical procedures and services. It is used by physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers to determine the amount of reimbursement they will receive from insurance companies. CPT is created and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) and is updated annually.
How is CPT Used?
CPT codes are used to identify and describe the medical procedures and services that are performed by healthcare providers. When a procedure is performed, the provider must assign the appropriate CPT code to the service. These codes are then submitted to insurance companies to receive reimbursement for the service.
CPT Code Examples
CPT codes can vary in complexity but generally include five-digit codes that are divided into three categories:
- Evaluation and Management (E/M)
- Surgery
- Anesthesia
For example, if a physician performs an office visit with a new patient, the code for this service would be 99201. If a patient needs surgery to repair a broken bone, the code for this service would be 27275.
Conclusion
CPT codes are an important part of the healthcare system and help ensure that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for the services they provide. Knowing how to correctly assign and use CPT codes is key to ensuring that a provider is properly compensated for their work. For more information, please visit the American Medical Association and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.