AMA Releases the CPT 2024 Code Set

On September 8, 2023, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced the release of the 2024 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set, introducing significant updates aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare for Spanish-speaking patients. This year, the AMA has incorporated Spanish language descriptors for over 11,000 medical procedures and services, addressing the needs of approximately 41 million Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States.

Lori Prestesater, AMA’s Senior Vice President of Health Solutions, emphasized the importance of these changes, noting that navigating healthcare can be particularly challenging for Latinx patients who may not be fluent in English. By providing clear and straightforward Spanish descriptors, the AMA aims to create a more inclusive healthcare environment where language barriers do not hinder patients from engaging in their care.

Key Changes in the CPT 2024 Code Set

The CPT code set underwent substantial updates this year, with 349 editorial changes, including 230 additions, 49 deletions, and 70 revisions. With a total of 11,163 codes, the CPT code set continues to expand in response to the evolving landscape of medical science and health technology. This year’s updates are part of an open editorial process managed by the CPT Editorial Panel, an independent body that gathers input from the healthcare community to ensure the code set remains relevant and effective.

One notable update is the consolidation of over 50 previous codes related to COVID-19 immunizations, streamlining the reporting process. The panel approved provisional codes (91318-91322) for identifying monovalent vaccine products from Moderna and Pfizer, pending FDA approval. Additionally, a new vaccine administration code (90480) has been introduced to simplify the reporting of COVID-19 vaccinations for all patients.

The 2024 code set also addresses advancements in immunizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a virus that can cause severe respiratory infections. Five new CPT codes have been established to facilitate the reporting of RSV immunizations, enhancing tracking and analysis for better public health planning.

Enhancements in Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services

Revisions prompted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have clarified the reporting of evaluation and management services. Key changes include:

1. Removal of Time Ranges: The time ranges for certain outpatient visit codes (99202-99205, 99212-99215) have been removed, aligning these codes with the format of other E/M codes.
2. Definition of Substantive Portion: A clear definition has been established to determine the substantive portion of split/shared E/M visits, where both a physician and a non-physician practitioner provide care.
3. Reporting Instructions: Revised instructions for reporting hospital inpatient or observation care services, particularly when patient stays cross over two calendar dates, have been added for clarity.

Resources for Transitioning to the New Code Set

To support the healthcare community during the transition to the new CPT code set, the AMA releases each edition four months before its operational date of January 1. The AMA has also developed “CPT Changes 2024: An Insider’s View,” a resource that details all modifications within the code set.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to participate in the upcoming CPT & RBRVS 2024 Annual Symposium, which will provide guidance on the updates. Registration and meeting details can be found on the AMA website.

For ongoing education, the AMA Ed Hub™ offers resources related to CPT coding, including modules on coding basics. Additionally, the CPT Network provides authoritative guidance for coding inquiries.

AT THE END

The 2024 CPT code set reflects the AMA’s commitment to enhancing healthcare inclusivity and transparency. By incorporating Spanish descriptors and streamlining coding processes, the AMA is helping to ensure that all patients, regardless of language proficiency, can better navigate their healthcare journeys. This proactive approach not only fosters patient engagement but also aligns with the evolving needs of a diverse population. For more information, healthcare professionals can visit the AMA website or contact their customer service team.

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