By Mandeara Frye, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, CASCC, Senior Director, Coding
January is right around the corner, so it's time to begin preparing
for the CPT code set that will be the standard in the new year. 2023 is
bringing significant changes to the codes used in ASCs. With adequate
preparation, your surgery center will be ready to hit the ground running.
Let's review some of the most substantial changes for ASCs to know.
Hernia
One of the biggest changes we'll see is to the hernia CPTs. Eighteen
codes are being deleted and replaced by 14 new codes. Rather than being
broken down into codes for the specific hernia type and approach as they
were previously, the codes will now include all anterior abdominal hernias
(epigastric, incisional, ventral, umbilical, spigelian) and any approach
(open, laparoscopic, robotic).
As before, the codes will be differentiated by reducible vs. incarcerated
or strangulated, but the codes will now also be further broken down based
on the total length of the defect(s) repaired: less than 3 cm, 3 cm –
10 cm, and greater than 10 cm.
It's important to note that the code descriptions contain "hernia(s)"
and "defect(s)", meaning if multiple abdominal hernias are repaired,
the total length of those defects should be added together and only one
CPT reported to encompass all repairs performed.
All new hernia CPTs also include the implantation of mesh, so CPT 49568
has been deleted with no replacement code.
Examples:
- 49591 — Repair of anterior abdominal hernia(s) (ie, epigastric, incisional,
ventral, umbilical, spigelian), any approach (ie, open, laparoscopic,
robotic), initial, including implantation of mesh or other prosthesis
when performed, total length of defect(s); less than 3 cm, reducible
- 49594 — 3 cm to 10 cm, incarcerated or strangulated
ENT
For ENT, there's a new code for radiofrequency remodeling
- 30469 — Repair of nasal valve collapse with low energy, temperature-controlled
(ie, radiofrequency) subcutaneous/submucosal remodeling
This CPT code is associated with usage of VivAer to repair nasal valve collapse.
There are revisions to the code descriptions for bone-anchored hearing
devices. The additions are in italics below:
-
69716 — Implantation, osseointegrated implant, skull; with magnetic
transcutaneous attachment to external speech processor,
within the mastoid and/or resulting in removal of less than 100 sq mm surface
area of bone deep to the outer cranial cortex
-
69717 —
Revision or Replacement (including removal of existing device), osseointegrated implant,
skull; with percutaneous attachment to external speech processor
-
69726 — Removal,
entire osseointegrated implant, skull; with percutaneous attachment to external
speech processor
Total Disc Arthroplasty
CPT 0163T — Total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach,
including discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression),
each additional interspace, lumbar (List separately in addition to code
for primary procedure) — is being replaced with CPT 22860 with no
change to the code description.
Nerve Block
There are changes to nerve block codes, which will now include all imaging
guidance. For example:
-
64415 — Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; brachial plexus,
including imaging guidance, when performed
CPT Quick Tips
As always, it's important to review all the new, revised, and deleted
codes prior to the new year so your center will be prepared and avoid
any billing delays. Don't forget to update your practice management
software with the new CPT code set. Lastly, make sure surgeons in your
ASC are aware of the changes as well and understand how the changes may
affect their documentation requirements.