Each year, updates to CPT® codes are introduced to reflect advancements in medical procedures and technologies, impacting billing and coding across multiple specialties. Effective January 1, these annual updates encompass new, revised, and deleted codes, along with updated coding guidelines. For 2025 CPT Code Updates, there are 270 new codes, 112 revised codes, and 49 deletions.
Notably, there are no changes to codes for anesthesia, respiratory, or auditory services. However, significant updates have been made in areas such as telemedicine evaluation and management (E/M) services, skin substitutes, laboratory and pathology services, and Category III codes.
Evaluation and Management (E/M)
In the E/M section, telephone service codes (99441–99443) have been deleted and replaced by a new series of codes for telemedicine services. These include:
- Synchronous audio-video E/M services: For new patients (98000–98003) and established patients (cpt code 98004– cpt code 98007).
- Synchronous audio-only E/M services: For new patients (98008–98011) and established patients (90012–90015). A new code, 90016, has also been introduced for virtual check-in visits.
Section guidelines clarify the use of these telemedicine codes, which are based on medical decision-making or total time. Additionally, a new table has been added to help distinguish telemedicine from non-face-to-face digital services.
Surgery: Integumentary System
Eight new codes for skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) procedures have been added in the 2025 CPT code updates. This technique involves harvesting and preparing a liquid solution of skin cells for application to a wound site to aid healing.. These codes are categorized by:
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- Skin harvesting size (15011, 15012).
- Preparation of SCSA by size (15013, 15014).
- Application by anatomic site and size (15015–15018).
Surgery: Musculoskeletal System
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- CPT Code 21632 (mediastinal lymphadenectomy) has been deleted, and code 21630 has been revised to become a standalone code.
- A new code, 25448, has been added for intercarpal or carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty with tendon suspension or transplant. CPT Code 25447 is now the parent code for 25448.
Surgery: Cardiovascular System
Three codes have been deleted:
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- Pulmonary valve valvotomy (33471).
- Atrial septectomy/septostomy (33737).
- Obliteration of aortopulmonary septal defect (33813).
With the removal of 33813, code 33814 has been updated to become a standalone code.
Surgery: Hemic and Lymphatic Systems
Four new codes have been introduced for CAR-T therapy, a specialized immunotherapy for blood cancers:
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- CPT code 38225: Harvesting of T lymphocytes.
- CPT code 38226: Preparation for transport.
- CPT code 38227: Receipt and preparation for administration.
- CPT code 38228: CAR-T cell administration.
Surgery: Digestive System
New Codes:
Five new codes (49186–49190) were introduced to describe the excision or destruction of intra-abdominal tumors or cysts through an open surgical approach. Techniques such as cytoreduction or debulking are included.
Key Guidelines:
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- These codes are determined by the total length of the tumor(s) or cyst(s) excised or destroyed. Only the tumor or cyst is measured, not surrounding tissue or margins.
- Measurements must be taken in situ and documented in the operative report.
Code Selection Tips:
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- Use appropriate organ or tissue resection codes if tumors originate directly from an organ or soft tissue.
- For excision of separate tumor implants, report using the tumor excision codes. For instance, a partial colectomy and a separate mesentery tumor excision should be coded separately.
Deletions:
CPTCodes 49203, 49204, and 49205 have been deleted, replaced by the new codes for intra-abdominal tumor or cyst excision or destruction.
Surgery: Urinary System
Code Revisions and Deletions:
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- Code 51030 (cystotomy/cystostomy with cryosurgical destruction of an intravesical lesion) was deleted.
- Code 51020 was revised to remove the semicolon, as it is no longer a parent code for 51030.
New Codes Added:
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- CPT code 51721: Covers the insertion of a transurethral ablation transducer for thermal ultrasound treatment of prostate tissue, along with the placement of a suprapubic tube and, if performed, an endorectal cooling device.
- CPT code 53865: Describes the insertion of a temporary device for ischemic remodeling of the bladder neck and prostate.
- CPT code 53866: Details the catheterization procedure for removing the temporary ischemic remodeling device.
Surgery: Male Genital System
New Codes for Prostate Procedures:
- cpt code 55881: Transurethral ablation of prostate tissue using thermal ultrasound with MRI guidance for precise targeting and monitoring.
- cpt code 55882: Similar to 55881 but also includes:
- Insertion of a transurethral ultrasound transducer.
- Placement of a suprapubic tube and endorectal cooling device, if performed.
Surgery: Female Genital System
Code Changes for Ovarian Excision Procedures:
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- CPT Code 58957 has been deleted. A parenthetical note now refers to codes 49186–49190 for resection (tumor debulking) of recurrent ovarian, endometrial, tubal, or primary peritoneal malignancies, with or without omentectomy.
- CPT Code 58958 was revised editorially, removing the semicolon to indicate its status as a new parent code.
Surgery: Endocrine System
New Codes for Thyroid Nodule Ablation:
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- CPT code 60660: Refers to the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of one or more thyroid nodules in one lobe or the isthmus, with imaging guidance.
- CPT code +60661: Add-on code for ablation of thyroid nodules in an additional lobe, used alongside the primary code (60660).
These codes are exclusive to radiofrequency ablation techniques, with the add-on code applicable only when additional lobes are treated.
Surgery: Nervous System
A new set of codes has been introduced to describe thoracic and lower extremity fascial plane blocks, which are regional anesthesia techniques for pain management.
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- CPT Code 64466: Unilateral thoracic fascial plane block administered via injection.
- CPT Code 64467: Unilateral thoracic fascial plane block delivered through continuous infusion.
- CPT Code 64468: Bilateral thoracic fascial plane block given by injection.
- CPT Code 64469: Bilateral thoracic fascial plane block using continuous infusion.
- CPT Code 64473: Unilateral lower extremity fascial plane block performed via injection.
- CPT Code 64474: Unilateral lower extremity fascial plane block delivered through continuous infusion.
These codes differentiate procedures based on laterality (unilateral or bilateral) and delivery method (injection or continuous infusion) and include imaging guidance as part of the procedure.
Surgery: Eye and Ocular Adnexa
A new code, 66683, has been added for the implantation of an iris prosthesis. This procedure includes suture fixation and, when performed concurrently, the repair or removal of the iris.
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Radiology
Magnetic resonance (MR) procedures can pose significant risks to patients with implanted medical devices or foreign bodies due to the potential for injury or death caused by the magnetic field. To mitigate these risks, specific precautions, such as device reprogramming or positioning, may be necessary based on the implant’s MR labeling and FDA-approved guidelines. With the 2025 CPT Code Updates, it’s crucial for medical coders to accurately capture these additional services and procedures related to MR safety screening and device management.
The following new codes address medical physics services provided during MR exams:
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- CPT code 76014: MR safety assessment by trained clinical staff, including identification and verification of implant or foreign body components through surgical reports, imaging, or device databases. This includes analysis of the MR conditional status and professional consultation, with a written report for the initial 15 minutes of service.
- CPT code +76015: Add-on code to 76014 for each additional 30 minutes of MR safety assessment, with a written report.
- CPT code 76016: MR safety determination by a physician or qualified health professional, involving a review of implant MR conditions, risk-benefit analysis, and necessary equipment planning, with a written report.
- CPT code 76017: Custom MR safety planning and monitoring by a medical physicist or MR safety expert, including tailoring MR acquisition requirements for implants and risk mitigation for non-conditional implants or foreign bodies. A written report with physician review is included.
- CPT code 76018: MR safety preparation for implant electronics, such as programming pulse generators or transmitters to reduce risks during MR procedures, under physician supervision, with a written report.
- CPT code 76019: MR safety positioning and/or immobilization of implants under physician supervision to prevent forces or burns caused by the MR environment, with a written report.
CPT Codes 76017–76019 are exempt from Modifier 51 (Multiple Procedures) and are listed out of sequence.
Pathology and Laboratory
Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses (MAAA):
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- CPT code 81515: Real-time PCR test for bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis using vaginal fluid specimens.
- CPT code 81558: Test for monitoring kidney transplant allograft rejection.
Chemistry Subsection:
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- CPT code 82233 andCPT code 82234: Tests for beta-amyloid.
- CPT code 83884: Test for neurofilament light chain.
- CPT code 84393 and CPT code 84395: Tests for phosphorylated tau and total tau, respectively.
Immunology:
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- CPT code 86581: Test for Streptococcus pneumoniae antibody (IgG), serotypes.
Microbiology:
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- CPT code 87513: Test for Helicobacter.
- CPT code 87564: Test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- CPT code 87594: Test for Pneumocystis jirovecii.
Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA):
Several new PLA codes describe proprietary procedures provided by single or multiple laboratories. These include MAAA and genomic sequencing procedures (GSP).
Medicine
Influenza Virus Vaccine Product Codes:
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- CPT code 90637: Quadrivalent (qIRV), mRNA, 30 mcg/0.5 mL dosage.
- CPT code 90638: Quadrivalent (qIRV), mRNA, 60 mcg/0.5 mL dosage.
- CPT code 90695: H5N8 vaccine derived from cell cultures.
Add-On Codes:
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- CPT code +93896: Vasoreactivity study.
- CPT code +93897: Emboli detection without intravenous microbubble injection.
- CPT code +93898: Venous-arterial shunt detection with intravenous microbubble injection.
All performed alongside a complete transcranial Doppler (TCD) study of intracranial arteries (93886).
Genetic Counseling:
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- CPT code 96040: Deleted and replaced by 96041 for medical genetics and genetic counseling services.
Monoclonal Antibody Administration:
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- 96380: Includes counseling for respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibody administration.
- 96381: Administration without counseling.
Category III Codes
Numerous new Category III codes address emerging technologies, including:
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- CPT codes 0870T–0875T: Subcutaneous peritoneal ascites pump procedures.
- CPT codes 0877T–0881T: Augmentative analysis of chest CT imaging data.
- CPT codes 0913T–0914T: Percutaneous transcatheter therapeutic drug delivery using intracoronary drug-delivery balloons.
Reference: 2025 cpt coding updates
Why CPT Code Updates Matter: A Crucial Step for Medical Coding Companies
Staying current with 2025 CPT code updates is paramount for medical coding companies like Allzone MS. These annual revisions from the American Medical Association (AMA) reflect advancements in medical technology, procedures, and practices.
Why is this important?
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- Accurate Billing and Reimbursement: By using the latest CPT codes, companies ensure accurate billing and optimize reimbursement rates. Outdated codes can lead to claim denials and revenue loss.
- Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Adhering to the latest CPT codes helps companies maintain compliance with industry standards and minimizes the risk of audits and legal repercussions.
- Efficiency and Productivity: Regular training on new and revised codes empowers coders to work efficiently, reducing errors and improving overall productivity.
- Stronger Partnerships: Staying informed about CPT updates positions medical coding companies as trusted partners for healthcare providers and insurers. This enables them to offer valuable services like audit preparation and denial management.
By prioritizing 2025 CPT code updates, medical coding companies can safeguard their financial health, enhance their reputation, and thrive in the dynamic healthcare landscape.
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