CPT 2022 Changes

The CPT coding changes for 2022 have been released.  Understanding the new codes is crucial to obtaining the proper reimbursement for your services and ADVOCATE has analyzed the changes and provided the highlights below.

CPT changes for this year across the board are minimal.  All of the CPT changes are effective with January 1, 2022 dates of service. Below are highlights for the update.


RADIOLOGY-DIAGNOSTIC

The following radiology CPT codes were deleted for 2022:

  • 72275– Epidurography, radiological supervision and interpretation *Rationale: Bundled into other procedures
  • 76101-Radiologic examination, complex motion (ie, hypercycloidal) body section (eg, mastoid polytomography), other than with urography; unilateral *Rationale: Limited use
  • 76102 Radiologic examination, complex motion (ie, hypercycloidal) body section (eg, mastoid polytomography), other than with urography; bilateral *Rationale: Limited use

Trabecular Bone Score

Four new codes were developed for trabecular bone score (TBS).

  • 77089 – Trabecular bone score (TBS), structural condition of the bone microarchitecture; using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or other imaging data on gray-scale variogram, calculation, with interpretation and report on fracture-risk
  • 77090 -Trabecular bone score (TBS), structural condition of the bone microarchitecture; technical preparation and transmission of data for analysis to be performed elsewhere
  • 77091 – Trabecular bone score (TBS), structural condition of the bone microarchitecture; technical calculation only
  • 77092 – Trabecular bone score (TBS), structural condition of the bone microarchitecture; interpretation and report on fracture-risk only by other qualified health care professional

Quantitative Tissue Characterization/Analysis

Several new Category III codes were developed for quantitative tissue characterization or analysis of tissue composition using ultrasound or MRI.  Category III codes are temporary codes for new procedures, services and technologies.  If Category III codes meet Category I criteria, they may be reassigned to Category I codes in the future.

  • 0689T –  Quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization (non-elastographic), including interpretation and report, obtained without diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure
  • 0690T – Quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization (non-elastographic), including interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure
  • 0648T – Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (eg, fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained without diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure) during the same session; single organ
  • 0697T – Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (eg, fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained without diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure) during the same session; multiple organs
  • 0649T – Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (eg, fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure); single organ (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure
  • 0698T – Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (eg, fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure); multiple organs (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure

 

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Thermal Nerve Destruction

Two new codes were developed for thermal nerve destruction, a new procedure that aims to provide effective relief for patients suffering with low back pain.

  • 64628 – Thermal destruction of intraosseous basivertebral nerve, including all imaging guidance; first 2 vertebral bodies, lumbar or sacral
  • 64629 – Thermal destruction of intraosseous basivertebral nerve, including all imaging guidance; each additional vertebral body, lumbar or sacral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)


ANESTHESIA

No significant CPT changes for anesthesia for 2022.

PATHOLOGY

No significant CPT changes for surgical pathology for 2022.

 

Advocate will provide more detail on the new codes as it becomes available.