General Surgery Coding Alert

The AMA hasn't sworn off renumbering codes. But introducing the new # symbol allows CPT to "move" a code while keeping the same number in specific circumstances.

Let the experts give you some insight into when you might expect CPT to renumber or relocate.

The new system utilizing the # symbol to indicate a code that is out of numerical order will allow for more consistency. "It'll just take some time to get used to," said Peter A. Hollmann, MD, at the RBRVS 2010 Annual Symposium in Chicago in the session "CPT 2010 Resequencing Principles."

The AMA uses these principles to decide what actions to take when moving or renumbering codes:

• When a code's meaning and/or intent changes, you can expect a deleted and renumbered code.

• When the AMA adds large groups of new concepts to CPT, there's no need to delete and renumber existing codes. Instead, the AMA will allow renumbering for placement of related codes to an appropriate location.

Tip: Check out Appendix N in your CPT manual for a full list of resequenced codes. Make it a habit to note the # symbol each year while you're checking for new and revised codes to make sure you're aware of these important changes.