Explore Telehealth CPT Codes: Your Comprehensive Resource

CPT codes, or Comprehensive Procedure Terminology codes, are a standardized system of medical codes used by healthcare professionals to describe and document medical services and procedures. They provide a common language for medical billing and coding, ensuring accurate communication and reimbursement within the healthcare industry.

There are thousands of CPT codes. The number of CPT codes can change each year due to updates and revisions made by the American Medical Association (AMA). To get the most current count, it's advisable to refer to the AMA's official CPT code resources or navigate Upvio’s CPT Hub.

CPT codes serve various critical purposes in the healthcare industry. They are primarily used for medical billing and coding, facilitating the documentation and reimbursement of medical services. Healthcare providers use them to accurately report the services they provide, insurance companies rely on them to determine coverage and payment, and government agencies use them for data analysis and healthcare policy planning.

CPT codes are categorized into three main sections: Category I, Category II, and Category III. Category I codes represent common healthcare procedures and services. Category II codes are optional and used for performance measurement. Category III codes, on the other hand, are temporary codes for emerging technologies, services, and procedures.

CPT codes and HCPCS codes are related but serve different purposes. CPT codes, as mentioned earlier, are maintained by the AMA and primarily used for medical procedures and services. In contrast, HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes include CPT codes but also encompass additional codes used by Medicare and Medicaid for services like durable medical equipment and supplies. HCPCS codes have a broader scope and are administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CPT codes are updated annually by the American Medical Association. These updates typically take effect on January 1st of each year. The AMA releases new codes, revises existing ones, and removes obsolete codes to reflect changes in medical practices and technology. Staying informed about these annual updates is crucial for healthcare professionals and organizations to ensure accurate billing and coding practices.