Learn What Your CPT And ICD Codes Mean To Report Accurately And Get Complete Reimbursement
The job of a medical biller and coder is full of challenges. You need to look up the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) manual as well as the ICD manual to report the services that your healthcare providers give to patients.
The ICD system relies on alphanumeric codes to classify diseases and report signs, symptoms, injuries, diseases, and conditions. The code set is updated at least once a year based on the feedback by the providers and payers. ICD-10-CM is going to replace the present ICD-9 diagnosis codes on October 1, 2014.
CPT codes on the other hand are 5-digit numeric codes that are used by the coders and billers to report the services a healthcare provider may provide to a patient. Insurance providers and Medicare reimburse the medical practitioners for their services.
CPT codes are divided into following categories:
1. Category I CPT® codes: These describe a procedure identified with a 5-digit CPT® code and descriptor terminology. These contain:
· Codes for Evaluation and Management: 99201-99499
· Codes for Anesthesia: 00100-01999; 99100-99150
· Codes for Surgery: 10021-69990
· Codes for Radiology: 70010-79999
· Codes for Pathology & Laboratory: 80047-89398
· Codes for Medicine: 90281-99199; 99500-99607
2. Category II CPT® codes: These supplemental tracking alphanumeric codes are used to measure performance. They are not compulsory and are not required for correct coding.
3. Category III codes: These are temporary codes that describe new technology, procedures, and services. They help data collection and review of new services and procedures.
Each year, both CPT and ICD codes are updated. Some new codes are added and older ones are revised or deleted. While new CPT codes into effect from January 1 each year, ICD codes go into effect on or after October 1. ICD-10-CM is going to replace the present ICD-9 code set.
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