Newly Released 2022 CPT Code Set
On 7th Sept 2021, the American Medical Association (AMA) released an annual update to CPT codes, including the addition of new codes developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual update incorporates a series of 15 vaccine-specific codes that are the model for efficiently reporting and tracking immunizations and administrative services against the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Note that CPT is a trademark of the American Medical Association (AMA), and we share key features of the 2022 CPT code set just for reference. The 2022 CPT code set and their descriptors can be imported directly into healthcare software solutions using the downloadable CPT 2022 Data File from the AMA website.
AMA first unveiled vaccine-specific codes in November 2020 in preparation for emergency use authorizations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA later authorized the use of three COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, respectively. Just recently, FDA also granted full approval to the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech and plans to roll out a third dose of the vaccine to patients to boost immunity. AMA plans to do the same for the Moderna vaccine when the company submits data showing the efficacy of a booster shot.
Key Features of 2022 CPT Code Set
- The 2022 CPT code set includes 405 changes: 249 new codes, 63 deletions, and 93 revisions.
- AMA released vaccine-specific codes, including those for the administration of third doses, before FDA authorizations to help providers prepare. These codes are now part of the 2022 CPT code set.
- Coding changes reflect demands for innovative care like digital health, precision medicine, and augmented intelligence. Five new codes (98975, 98976, 98977, 98980, 98981) were added for digital medicine services such as therapeutic remote monitoring.
- The codes build on remote physiologic monitoring codes introduced in 2020 (99453, 99454, 99457, 99458).
- New codes for principal care management (99424, 99425, 99426, 99427) enable reporting of care management for patients with one complex chronic condition.
- To ensure accurate COVID-19 vaccine coding, AMA offers a vaccine code finder resource to identify the appropriate CPT code combination by vaccine type and dose.
Medicare policy for principal care management services has evolved. The new CPT codes, along with revisions to existing ones, align better with Medicare guidelines. These changes reflect nearly a decade of work to address the reporting needs of providers managing chronic conditions in the aging population.
We hope this article has given you an idea of the key features of the newly released 2022 CPT code set. MedicalBillersandCoders (MBC) is a leading provider of medical billing and coding services. Our expertise across various medical specialties ensures quick and accurate insurance reimbursements. For the latest updates on medical billing and coding, subscribe to our newsletter or visit our latest blog section.
