Colorado Medical Society

http://dev.cms.org/articles/2019-cpt-changes/

2019 CPT changes

Monday, January 21, 2019 01:37 PM

It’s that time of the year again! The new 2019 CPT code changes took effect Jan. 1. Understanding the myriad changes is crucial to obtaining the proper reimbursement for your services. The changes for 2019 address a number of interrelated issues. The AMA updated 335 codes to reflect scientific and technological advances in various services including medical, surgical and diagnostics. Several additions reflect the real possibility of expanding coverage for connected health tools and other new delivery systems to improve health care quality. There were many code revisions with guideline, description and instructional note changes. CPT 2019 offers changes that affect nearly every specialty.

*Please note, this article is not an all-inclusive list; review your 2019 CPT book for complete descriptions of all changes. Appendix B of 2019 CPT provides a summary of additions, deletions, and revisions. Click here for more information. Also, click here to review the final rule for the 2019 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

Highlights of the most significant changes:

Exciting new opportunities for telemedicine expansion and coverage

3 new codes for remote chronic care patient monitoring services

2 new interprofessional internet consultation codes

2 new codes added to the Ophthalmology CPT section

Revisions and Additions to FNA and skin biopsy codes

Revisions and Additions to psychological and neuropsychological testing

4 new breast MRI procedures were added

2 new gastrostomy tube placement codes added to define simple versus complex replacement of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube.

3 new codes for allografts

Contact RT Welter for assistance on 2019 CPT changes.