2024 CPT changes for Obstetrics and Gynecology

Significant changes to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and guidelines for 2024 were announced, affecting OB/GYN medical specialties. Let’s delve into the key modifications:

1. 2024 Gynaecology CPT Changes Overview:

• Additions: The majority of additions pertain to laboratory medicine, reflecting advancements and expansions in diagnostic procedures.
• Revisions: Notably, revisions have been made to office visit Evaluation and Management (E&M) descriptions. A minimum time requirement is now specified for each level of care, emphasizing the importance of time spent with patients.
• Deletions: Temporary codes have been replaced with permanent CPT codes, simplifying coding processes and ensuring consistency in billing practices.

2. Revised E&M CPT Updates for Gynaecology:

Office or Outpatient Visits:

• 99202 – New patient – straightforward medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 15 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99203 – New patient – low level medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 30 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99204 – New patient – moderate level medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 45 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99205 – New patient – high level medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 60 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99212 – Established patient – straightforward medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 10 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99213 – Established patient – low level medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 20 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99214 – Established patient – moderate level medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 30 minutes must be met or exceeded.
• 99215 – Established patient – high level medical decision making, when using total time on date of encounter 40 minutes must be met or exceeded.

Nursing Facility Visits:

• Codes for initial (99306) and subsequent (99308) nursing facility care now include minimum time requirements, reflecting the comprehensive nature of care provided in these settings.

3. New or Pending FDA Approval for Vaccines:

Several new vaccines or those pending FDA approval have been assigned CPT codes, facilitating accurate documentation and billing:

• Dengue vaccine (90584)
• Chikungunya virus vaccine (90589)
• Meningococcal vaccine (90623)
• Influenza vaccines (90666, 90668)
• Pneumococcal vaccine (90671)
• RSV mRNA vaccine (90683)
• SARS-CoV2 vaccines (91302, 91310)

4. Revised “Incident To” Guidelines:

Clarifications have been made regarding “Incident To” billing:

• Limited to non-institutional settings.
• Excludes new patient visits.
• Applicable to mid-level providers (NPs, CNMs, PAs) under direct physician supervision.
• Now permissible with physician presence via audio/visual means.

5. Revised Surgical CPT Codes:

Notable updates include:

• Transcervical ablation of uterine fibroids (58580), specifying the use of radiofrequency with intraoperative ultrasound guidance.

6. Other CPT Updates for 2024:

Updates across surgical, radiological, and medical specialties include:

• Vertebral tethering
• Arthrodesis of the SI joint
• Various podiatry, nasal/sinus, cardiac, and neurostimulator procedures
• New codes for gastroenterology, audiology, percutaneous lithotripsy, interventional cardiology, chemotherapy, physical therapy, and caregiver training.

Impact and Benefits to Practices:

• Practices may need to adjust workflows to accommodate the revised coding requirements and time constraints.
• Financial projections can be made based on these changes, with assistance available from Revenue Cycle Management Teams like Svast.

For further guidance and assistance in navigating these changes effectively, contact svasthealthtech.com.