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Coding - CPT Codes
CPT - -current procedural terminology,
owned by AMA lists procedures and services
commonly performed by MD`s across the country
types of CPT codes - -category l codes
category ll codes
category lll codes
category l codes - -procedure codes found
in the main body of CPT ,5 digits , no decimals ,
has descriptor
category ll codes - -used to track
performance measures for a medical goal, alpha
character for 5th digit
category lll codes - -temporary codes for
emerging technology, services , and procedures,
alpha character for 5th digit
organization - -main text, appendixes, and
index
assignment of correct procedure code - -
begins by reviewing the physician`s statements
in the pt`s medical record
types of Main Terms - -1) name of
procedure or service
2) name of organ/other anatomical site
3) name of the condition
4) synonym/eponym for the term
5) abbreviation for the term
two codes - -two codes either sequential or
not, are separated by a comma, more than two
by a hyphen
cross reference - -the cross reference
"see" , is a mandatory instruction
Main Text - -after the index is used to point
to a possible code, the main index is read to
verify the selection of the code
section guidelines - -usage notes at the
beginning of CPT sections, covers definitions and
items unique to the section
unlisted procedure - -service not listed in
CPT, those not completely described by any
code in the section
special report - -note explaining the
reasons for a new , variable or unlisted service
how many appendixes in CPT - -14
semi-colons, indentations - -CPT uses a
semicolon and indentations when a common part
of the main entry applies to entries that follow ,
unique descriptors after the semicolon are not
capitalized
symbols for changed codes - -bullet-
indicates new procedure code
triangle-indicates code descriptor has changed
facing triangles-enclose new or revised text other
than code descriptor
bullet inside a circle-means that moderate
sedation is a part of the procedure that the
surgeon performs, billed in addition to the code
lightening bolt -FDA approval pending, can`t be
used yet
