News and Updates >> Client Update
December 20, 2004
BE PREPARED, NEW CPT CODE CHANGES MUST BE IMPLEMENTED BY JANUARY 1, 2005
This year will be a little different as it relates to the implementation of new DIAGNOSTIC and
CPT CODES. Usually diagnostic codes are released in October and do not go into effect until
January 1. Not so this year. The codes were released October 1, as usual, and went into effect on October 1, 2004.
What does this mean?
This year there is no grace period. In previous years the codes were released in January and we had until
March / April to update our system and get ready to use the codes. This year we are not granted that
luxury. The 2005 CPT codes will go into effect on January 1, 2005.
You should purchase a 2005 ICD 9 Diagnostic and CPT Manual. I often hear that physicians do not
want to ”waste money” on these manuals. Better to purchase the manuals than to spend time re-addressing
claims with invalid diagnostic and/or CPT codes. Not to mention this may also slow down your cash flow.
To be prepared I would recommend the following:
- Purchase a 2005 CPT Code Book. They are available now.
- Purchase a 2005 HCPC Book. If they are not yet available they will be shortly.
- Review your Superbill and make sure all codes are still valid.
Diagnosis codes should have been done in October. If you have not yet done this, now would be a good time to look at and update these codes as well. - Review your Procedure analysis report and make sure all codes are still valid.
- For any codes that have been deleted, remove them from your Superbill and replace them with new codes.
- Be ahead of the game. When January rolls around, have a new Superbill ready to go.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at LindaG@phylogic.com or call me
at 877-273-3100 ext. 101.
Linda Garwacki
Director of Billing Operations