New CPT code changes for 2020 for coders

Again in the coming year 2020, we will be seeing lot of new addition, deletion and revision of CPT codes. There are 394 code changes in the 2020 CPT code set, including 248 new codes, 71 deletions, and 75 revisions.

New CPT category I codes will be effective from January 1st, 2020. 

I have already shared some the important changes for E/M codes for 2021 previously. Let us checkout the new CPT code changes for 2020. 

Their are around six new codes to report online digital evaluation services or e-visits. These codes describe patient-initiated digital communications provided by physician or other qualified health care professional (99421, 99422, 99423), or a non-physician health care professional (98970, 98971, 98972).

Two new CPT code (99473, 99474) is used to report self-measured blood pressure monitoring. The goal of these codes is to expand reporting pathways for physicians across the country who take care of a diverse set of patients that have varying degrees of access to care.

Moving on the medical coders will have some more new CPT codes for health and behavior assessment and intervention services (96156, 96158, 96164, 96167, 96170 and add-on codes 96159, 96165, 96168, 96171).

These codes replace six older codes to more accurately reflect current clinical practice that increasingly emphasizes interdisciplinary care coordination and teamwork with physicians in primary care and specialty settings.

References:

https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/6-new-telehealth-cpt-codes-you-should-know-about