I Code This How? An Update on New CPT Codes

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes are the primary means for describing and reporting services to public and private insurers in the US by physicians and other qualified providers for the patient care rendered. As the physician is ultimately responsible for the billing submitted under their name, it is essential to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current CPT codes. The CPT codes are constantly undergoing revisions, with deletion of older codes, revisions and updates of existing codes, and the promulgation of new codes. This expert lecture is designed to provide all Otolaryngology practitioners an update of changes to CPT codes that are pertinent to the practice of otolaryngology. Topics include changes to CPT codes, as well as coding controversies, applicable to sleep surgery, nasal procedures, balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube, bone anchored hearing devices, tracheostomy, and thyroidectomy. Participants will receive a brief overview of the basics of CPT code set management and valuation, different categories of CPT codes, and payor policy concepts as they relate to CPT code updates.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Explain the basics of CPT code set management and valuation

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Demonstrate proficiency at billing procedures with revised or updated codes such as sleep surgery, nasal procedures, and bone anchored hearing devices.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Recognize the sometimes-nuanced differences between new and revised codes for related procedures.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Errors in CPT coding may lead to delays in payments, under- and nonpayment, and potentially trigger audits with adverse outcomes. This course is intended to assist those well versed in using CPT codes with maintaining up-to-date knowledge of CPT code and coding changes.