CPT 2020 and CPT 2021: Catch a Glimpse
- By John Verhovshek
- In AAPC News
- March 19, 2019
- 4 Comments
A summary of the CPT® Editorial Panel’s actions during its February 2019 meeting offers us a glimpse of changes to come for the CPT 2020 and 2021.
Perhaps the biggest news are approved revisions to office and outpatient E/M codes 99201-99215, scheduled for 2021 implementation, covered here.
Other approved changes for 2021 include:
- Significant revision to breast reconstruction codes and their introductory guidelines
Codes slated for revision include 11970, 11971, 19318, 19325, 19328, 19330, 19340, 19342, 19357, 19361, 19364, 19367, 19368, 19370, 19371, and 19380. Codes 19324 Mammaplasty, augmentation; without prosthetic implantand 19366Breast reconstruction with other technique are slated for deletion.
- Deletion of 32405 Biopsy, lung or mediastinum, percutaneous needle
- Addition of a new (not yet named) code to report core needle biopsy of the lung or mediastinum, and revision of introductory guidelines for this section of codes
- Three new codes (not yet named) to report vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing
- Four new codes (not yet named) to report auditory evoked potentials, as well as deletion of 92585 Auditory evoked potentials for evoked response audiometry and/or testing of the central nervous system; comprehensiveand 92586 …limited.
- A new code (not yet named) to report exercise test for bronchospasm, along with revision of 94617 Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and post-spirometry, electrocardiographic recording(s), and pulse oximetry.
The Editorial Panel also approved changes for CPT 2020, to include:
- A new code to report a quadrivalent inactivated-adjuvanted influenza virus vaccine
- Deletion of cardiac device evaluation code 93299 Interrogation device evaluation(s), (remote) up to 30 days; implantable cardiovascular physiologic monitor system or subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor system, remote data acquisition(s), receipt of transmissions and technician review, technical support and distribution of results
- A new category III code to report an assay of cancer stem cell
- Addition of two category III codes to report autologous cellular implant
- Addition of a category III code to report evacuation of meibomian glands
- Addition of two category III codes to report transcervical bilateral permanent fallopian tube occlusion and the separate introduction of saline for confirmation of occlusion via sonosalpingingraphy
- Deletion of codes 21296 Reduction of masseter muscle and bone (eg, for treatment of benign masseteric hypertrophy); intraoral approachand 43401 Transection of esophagus with repair, for esophageal varicesdue to low utilization
You can view the full summary notes of the CPT® Editorial Panel actions for CPT 2020 and 2021 on the AMA website.
- Excision of Benign or Malignant Skin Lesion - April 21, 2019
- 49905: Open or Closed? - April 21, 2019
- Pain Management and the Global Period - April 21, 2019
800-626-2633
Please tell me who to contact to voice my concern about deleting the CPT code 93299?
At Midwest Heart Rhythm, Inc in Saint Louis Missouri, we utilize remote heart failure monitoring to effectively help manage our heart failure patients outside of the hospital. This monitoring has allowed us to substantially reduce hospital admissions for congestive heart failure.
If CMS eliminates or reduces the reimbursement for CPT 93299 (technical component of remote monitoring), we will no longer be able to provide this valuable service to our patients because it will be unaffordable for us.
Our heart failure patients will certainly suffer if CMS follows through with their plans to eliminate or reduce reimbursement for the technical component (93299).
We therefore urge you to contact whom ever is necessary to reconsider.
Sincerely,
Carey S. Fredman, M.D.
Midwest Heart Rhythm, Inc
—
Midwest Heart Rhythm
http://www.midwestheartrhythm.com
https://www.facebook.com/midwestheartrhythm
Carey Fredman, MD, FACC
Kurt Biermann, RN, BSN
Gene Pozniakoff, RN
Tasha Kristof, BS
222 South Woods Mill Rd
Suite 400 North
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Phone: (314) 317-9863
Fax: (314) 317-9806
Carey, I wonder if your best option is to petition CMS to add a code and description to HCPCS Level II for the purpose of the deleted 93299.
I suggest this only because I notice that 99201 is being deleted effective January 2021. I am not surprised by this because CPT is intended for use by physicians or other health care professionals (e.g., nurse practitioners, physicians assistant), and 99201 is reported for nurse E/M services. Similarly 93299 would be reported for technician/technical services.
HCPCS Level II would seem to be a logical “home” for an 93299 equivalent code. What do you think?
I was in a seminar and it was recommended that you use G0266 to replace 93299, estimated reimbursement will be $36.00
The new code to replace the 93299 will be G2066, however, this new code will be a technical only code whereas we were able to bill for the 93299 from our provider’s office. Does anyone have any information on whether or not there will be a code that can be billed by a provider in lieu of the 93299/G2066? 93297 & 93298 are professional codes but the reimbursement is significantly different – over $240 difference. Any help is greatly appreciated.