Describing_Cpt_Coding

Describing CPT Coding Categories Christie Parker HCR220 October 3, 2013 University of Phoenix Describing CPT Coding Categories To make the coding process a little easier I will explain some things. There are buzzwords that can help you remember which each category is. The buzzword for Category I is common. They are used the most often. Category I codes are procedure codes found in the main body of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set. It uses five digits and no decimals. The buzzword for Category II codes is optional. These are CPT codes that track performance measures. They are optional, they are not paid by insurance carriers. They are used to help in the development of pest practices for care and improve documentation. These codes have letters for the fifth digit. The buzzword for Category III codes is temporary. Category III codes are defined as temporary codes for emerging technology, services, and procedures. They can become permanent if service is proven effective and is widely preformed. These also have letters as the fifth digit. These are procedures or services that are included in each of the CPT codes categories: Evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, radiology and laboratory, and medicine. Although the codes are grouped into sections, codes from all sections can be used by all types of physicians. An example for Category I: 99204- Office or other outpatient visit for evaluation and management of a new patient. An example for Category II: 4000F- Tobacco use cessation intervention, counseling. An example for Category III: 0182T- High dose rate electronic brachytherapy, per fraction.