2007 January CPT Updates

The 2007 CPT updates will be posted to the system on January 1st.  There are a total of 221 deleted codes, 381 new codes, and 118 revised codes in this year's update.  The following is a summary of the changes effected during this update, but it is not a complete list.  A careful review of the comprehensive list of code changes is recommended so provider and staff education can be completed on a timely basis.  In addition to the changes highlighted below, substantial additions have been made to the list of G codes available to document compliance with best practices.  Both the comprehensive list of changes and the complete list of new G codes are available in separate documents via these links:

Click here to view the comprehensive list of deleted, new, and revised codes.
Click here to view the list of newly added G codes for tracking performance of best practices.

All new codes have been added to the Master CPT list for all clients, but none were added to the Favorites list automatically during this update.  If, after reviewing the lists above or the summary below, you identify codes you would like in your Favorites list, you can add them by going to the System Tools tab, selecting the Master CPT Editor, finding the code(s) of interest either by using the search function or by choosing the appropriate Category from the index on the left and manually scrolling to the code(s), then checking the "Active" box next to the code(s), and clicking "Save" before exiting the editor.
 
 

Index

 
Skin
There will be a change in the introductory language in some Integumentary System codes.  Because some of the skin substitutes and grafts do not require surgical fixation, it became necessary to change the language to accurately reflect how these services are provided.  Codes 15000 and 15001 have been deleted and new codes 15002-15005 have been created for services regarding the preparation of the initial wound recipient site.  The new codes are more specific to the body site.   There were additional changes in this area involving the Mohs procedures - codes 17304-17307 and 17310 have been deleted, and replacement codes are 17311-17315.
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Cardiovascular
There are major changes in the Cardiovascular System codes.  Four codes deleted from this category during the update that may be of particular interest were:
  • 33200  Insertion of permanent pacemaker with epicardial electrode(s); by thoracotomy
  • 33201  Insertion of permanent pacemaker with epicardial electrode(s); by xiphoid approach
  • 33245  Insertion of epicardial single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator electrodes by thoracotomy;
  • 33246  Insertion of epicardial single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator electrodes by thoracotomy; with insertion of pulse generator
Codes 33200 and 33201 described procedures where the generator and electrode placement were completed by the cardiologist during the same session.  Current practice shows the generator and electrodes are placed during separate sessions.  To accurately reflect the current practice, codes 33202 and 33203 have been created to show the updated provider work involved.  There are also changes to codes in the thromboendarterectomy and bypass graft sections, venous anomaly repair and maze procedures.  If these code sections pertain to your specialty, a thorough review of these codes is in order.
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GI
Five new codes were added describing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy procedures in the 58541-58548 range.  One of the key changes is added verbiage regarding the gram weight of the uterus as either above or below 250 grams.  Another change reflects whether or not the tube(s) and/or ovary(s) are removed at the same time.
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Radiology
A significant number of changes were made in the Radiology Section.  There are changes to the magnetic resonance, ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance codes.  Changes to the ultrasound section include new codes for the pregnant uterus.  Code 76813 is for single or first gestation and code 76814 for each additional gestation (76814 is an add-on code).  There are changes in the fluoroscopic guidance and needle placement codes.  G76003 and 76005 are gone, and there are several new codes to replace them.  Mammography codes were changed, and codes 76090-76096 were deleted and replaced with codes in the 770XX range.  The Radiation Oncology subsection will be expanded to include a new section specifically for Stereotactic Radiation Treatment Delivery.  A thorough review of this section is recommended due to the sweeping changes involved.
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Laboratory
Lab and Pathology had no codes deleted in this update. Two codes for West Nile Virus have been added. Code 86789 is for a non-specific assay, while code 86877 has been created to report the immunoglobulin M (IgM)-specific antibodies.  There are a few additional new codes in this section that you may wish to review.
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Medicine
In the Medicine Section, there will be additions to the subheadings for Pulmonary Procedures. This resulted from the addition of codes for ventilator management and enhancements to the organization of this section. 

Two frequently used codes deleted during this update were:

  • 94656  Ventilation assist and management, initiation of pressure or volume preset ventilators for assisted or controlled breathing; first day
  • 94657  Ventilation assist and management, initiation of pressure or volume preset ventilators for assisted or controlled breathing; subsequent days
Three new codes intended for use in their place are:
  • 94002  Ventilation assist and management, initiation of pressure or volume preset ventilators for assisted or controlled breathing; hospital inpatient/observation, initial day
  • 94003  Ventilation assist and management, initiation of pressure or volume preset ventilators for assisted or controlled breathing; hospital inpatient/observation, each subsequent day
  • 94004  Ventilation assist and management, initiation of pressure or volume preset ventilators for assisted or controlled breathing; nursing facility, per day
Codes were also added for medical genetics counseling, as well as codes for anti-coagulation management.
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