Get A Sneak Peek At Upcoming 2018 CPT® Changes With This Quick Outline

Get A Sneak Peek At Upcoming 2018 CPT Changes With This Quick Outline

You’ll change how you report chest/abdominal x-rays, MAA, GSP, microbiology, immunology, and more.

Oct 1 has come and gone, and now it’s time to switch focus to another code set — CPT®. If you have been wondering at what new changes you will be facing with CPT® 2018, here’s a quick look at what you can expect.

Keep in Mind: This overview is based on the list of CPT® updates — yet to be finalized. So there could be changes before you start using the codes Jan 1.

Anticipate Several Additional Molecular Codes

You can look forward to 31 new molecular pathology codes in 2018, including eight for human platelet antigen genotyping, two new codes specific to isocitrate dehydrogenase, and three new glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene analysis codes, among others.

Gear Up for Big Changes to Chest & Abdominal X-Ray Codes

If implemented, you may use four new chest X-ray codes — 71045, 71046, 71047, and 71048 — in place of the existing X-ray codes that many coders have come to know by heart. Everything in the 71010-71035 range will make their way out effective Jan. 1. It looks like the codes are being streamlined based on the number of views in total, and not the type of view.

Just like the chest X-ray codes, you will also find three new codes for abdominal X-rays too. Codes 74018, 74019 and 74021 will replace the x-ray codes 74000-74022.

Focus on New MAAA and GSP Codes

You will have to keep up with a new Genomic Sequencing Procedure (GSP) code — 814X5 — and four new Multianalyte Assay with Algorithmic Analysis (MAAA) codes —  two new mRNA gene expression profiling codes for breast cancer and another two codes for prostate cancer tests.

Learn Fresh Coding Options for Microbiology and Immunology

Expect two new microbiology codes for RSV and Zika virus— you’ll have a separate code for Zika virus detection by nucleic acid by amplified probe. You will also find a code specific to immunoassay to evaluate for IgM antibodies to Zika virus.

Welcome New PLA Codes

As the year rolls around, you will likely find a new section listing codes for Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA). This is good news for molecular diagnostic companies as these PLA codes, if implemented, could help them have a better grip on their test reimbursement.

Look to These New Anesthesia Codes

You will find a three-fold increase in the number of anesthesia codes for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: 00731, 00732, 00811, 00812, and 00813. These new codes will replace the two that you’ll find in your current coding book.

Note Descriptor Changes in Ultrasound Extremities Codes

You’ll also note that the introduction to the extremities codes in CPT®’s ultrasound section has been expanded significantly.  To report 76881, you will now have to permanently record the images and keep a written report that includes a description of each element visualized – or reason that an element could not be visualized.

Can Your Practice Catch Up? You’ve got only a short time before you’ll have to implement CPT’s 2018 updates on Jan. 1.

Equip Your Practice with the Right Resource

Make things less challenging for your practice with TCI’s one-stop medical coding books. Check out a wide range of CPT® coding books, handbooks, sourcebooks, and illustrated guides, designed to help busy coding professionals and practices stay up-to-date, code claims correctly, and achieve optimum ethical reimbursement.

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