2024 CPT changes for Podiatry

In terms of podiatry medical billing and coding procedures, 2024 is a critical year. It introduces a slew of noteworthy modifications, including updated Evaluation and Management (E&M) descriptions and newly proposed vaccine codes that are pending FDA approval. These changes emphasize how crucial it is to remain knowledgeable and flexible in the always changing healthcare environment.

A Glimpse into the 2024 Podiatry CPT Changes:

• Additions: The spotlight is on laboratory medicine, with most additions being for laboratory testing procedures.
• Revisions: Office visit Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes have been specifically adjusted, emphasizing the need to meet minimum time requirements for different levels of decision making.
• Pending FDA Approval: New codes have been introduced or relisted for vaccines that are awaiting FDA approval, hinting at potential updates in vaccine administration procedures.
• “Incident To” Services: There’s a clarification regarding the provision of services “incident to” a physician’s care, now including the possibility of audio/visual presence during the encounter.
• Deletions: Temporary codes are being phased out and replaced with permanent ones, particularly in laboratory medicine, reflecting a shift towards more standardized coding practices.

Diving Deeper into Revised E&M CPT Updates for Podiatry:

The revisions specify minimum time requirements for various E&M codes, both for office/outpatient visits and nursing facility care. Notably, the following codes have been updated:

• 99202: New patient – straightforward medical decision making, requiring at least 15 minutes.
• 99203: New patient – low level medical decision making, requiring at least 30 minutes.
• 99204: New patient – moderate level medical decision making, requiring at least 45 minutes.
• 99205: New patient – high level medical decision making, requiring at least 60 minutes.
• 99212: Established patient – straightforward medical decision making, requiring at least 10 minutes.
• 99213: Established patient – low level medical decision making, requiring at least 20 minutes.
• 99214: Established patient – moderate level medical decision making, requiring at least 30 minutes.
• 99215: Established patient – high level medical decision making, requiring at least 40 minutes.

Nursing Facility E&M Updates:

Minimum time requirements have been added to E&M descriptions for nursing facility care, with notable changes in:

• 99306: Initial nursing facility care, per day, high level medical decision making, requiring at least 50 minutes.
• 99308: Subsequent nursing facility care, per day, low level medical decision making, requiring at least 20 minutes.

New or Pending FDA Approval Vaccines:

New codes have been introduced or are pending FDA approval for various vaccines, including:

• 90584 – Dengue vaccine
• 90589 – Chikungunya virus vaccine
• 90623 – Meningococcal vaccine
• 90666 – Influenza vaccine
• 90668 – Influenza vaccine
• 90671 – Pneumococcal vaccine
• 90683 – RSV mRNA vaccine
• 91302 – SARS-CoV2 vaccine
• 91310 – SARS-CoV2 vaccine, preservative free

Revised/Clarification “Incident To” Highlights:

This section provides clarification on the eligibility criteria and billing procedures for “incident to” services, now including provisions for audio/visual presence during the encounter.

Revised Surgical CPT for Podiatry:

In the realm of podiatric surgery, several revisions have been made to CPT codes:

• 28292: Correction, hallux valgus with (bunionectomy), with sesamoidectomy; when performed; with resection of proximal phalanx base, when performed, any method.
• 28296: With distal metatarsal osteotomy, any method.
• 28295: With proximal metatarsal osteotomy, any method. (Out of sequence)
• 28297: With first metatarsal and medial cuneiform joint arthrodesis, any method.
• 28298: With proximal phalanx osteotomy, any method.

Other CPT Updates:

In the surgical domain, various other updates have been implemented:

• Vertebral tethering
• Arthrodesis – SI joint
• Nasal/sinus procedures
• Cardiac (atrial) surgery
• Cardiac – implantable monitor
• Male cysto-urethrostomy
• Female uterine fibroid ablation
• Cranial neurostimulator
• Subarachnoid (eye) injection

Medicine CPT Updates:

The medicine section has seen the addition of 30 new codes covering a wide range of specialties:

• Gastroenterology
• Audiology
• Percutaneous Lithotripsy
• Interventional Cardiology
• Chemotherapy
• Excimer Laser Treatment
• Physical therapy
• Caregiver Training

Impact on Practice and Benefits:

To accommodate the new code changes, practices may need to modify their workflows. This is especially important when it comes to achieving minimum time standards for E&M services and preparing for any adjustments to vaccination protocols.

It might be necessary to account for the effect of these modifications on reimbursement rates and invoicing procedures in financial estimates.

At SVAST, we offer Podiatry medical billing and coding services, providing assistance to navigate these changes and optimize practice operations. Reach out to us today for expert guidance.