A Medical Coder is using computer and searching CPT code changes implemented in 2023

CPT code changes to be implemented in 2023 – What should Medical Practices, Medical Billers and Medical Coders know?

AMA released 2023 CPT updates: 393 edits, 225 new, 75 deleted, 93 revised codes. The new CPT code set will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

A table showing chapters, deleted, new and revised CPT code

Surgery: Cardiovascular CPT

CPT 2023 adds 5 new codes for pulmonary artery stent placement. Introductory guidelines and parentheticals are also added:

Code 33900 is for an initial procedure performed unilaterally in normal native connections.
Code 33901 is for an initial procedure performed bilaterally in normal native connections.
Code 33902 is for an initial procedure performed unilaterally in abnormal connections.
Code 33903 is for an initial procedure performed bilaterally in abnormal connections.
Code +33904 reports each additional vessel or separate lesion in normal or abnormal connections. This add-on code can be reported with 33900, 33901, 33902, or 33903.

Two new codes are added for percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation:

36836: Stent placement across major side branches.
36837: Separate access for artery and vein with fistula maturation. Both procedures include vascular access, imaging guidance, and radiologic supervision and interpretation.

Surgery: Nervous System CPT

Nerve injection codes were revised to include imaging guidance:

Imaging guidance may be reported separately for nerve injection codes 64400-64450.
Imaging and contrast are included in brachial plexus & sciatic nerve injection codes 64415-64454.
Imaging and contrast are included in codes 64461-64489, not separately reported.

Nerve Ultrasound:

76882 - Limited ultrasound of extremity structures, real-time, with documentation
76883 - Comprehensive ultrasound of nerves in one extremity, including real-time imaging

Radiology Coding Changes & Updates 2023

The descriptor for limited ultrasound code:

76882 was revised to include "focal evaluation," and SPECT codes were updated to include "or acquisition."
New code 76883: ultrasound of nerves in one extremity.

Pathology & Laboratory Coding Changes & Updates 2023

There are 11 New codes & three revision in the pathology & lab:

Three new codes ( 81449, 81451, & 81456) describe targeted genomic sequence analyses.
New codes 87468, 87469, 87479, and 87484 detect infection agents with DNA or RNA.
One new code ( 81418) has been added for drug metabolism analysis using a genomic sequence.
New code 81441 detects inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS).
Code 84433 describes the detection of an enzyme called thiopurine S- methyltransferase ( TPMT).
Code (87467) describes the detection of the hepatitis B surface antigen.

Three Codes are revised in this section:

81445, 81450, and 81455 update descriptor placement without changing meaning.

Proprietary Laboratory Analyses:

For diagnostic laboratory tests (CLFS),

Professional components for human specimen use are not commercially available in the US.
Code review is on a quarterly cycle, available the second quarter following review
70 new codes
7 revised codes
7 deleted codes

Codes describe PLAs from single or multiple labs, including MA and GSP.

Category III CPT Codes Changes & Updates 2023

There are many new Category III codes created for new and emerging technology:

0751T-0763T for digital pathology digitization procedures.
0764T-0765T for assistive algorithmic EKG risk-based assessment.
0766T-0769T for transcutaneous magnetic stimulation of nerves for chronic nerve pain.
0771T-0774T for virtual reality patient procedural dissociation.

Category III – Digital Pathology:

Glass slides scanned for digital pathologic diagnosis.

A table showing digital pathology ad on and base CPT codes

Do not report:

solely for archival purposes
solely for educational purposes
solely for developing a database for training or validation of AI algorithms
solely for clinical conference presentation

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