The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set is a comprehensive and standardized system used across the United States to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services. Developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA), CPT codes ensure a uniform language for documenting and billing healthcare procedures to insurers and programs. These codes help healthcare providers, insurance companies, and accreditation organizations efficiently communicate about medical, surgical, and diagnostic services, streamlining the process of healthcare billing and analytics.
The CPT code set is extensive, containing thousands of alphanumeric codes that are updated annually to reflect advances in medical technology and practices. As of the latest update, the CPT system includes over 10,000 unique codes. These codes are divided into three categories:
CPT codes play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by standardizing the way medical procedures and services are reported and billed, facilitating efficient and accurate healthcare administration. Along with ICD-10 codes, they enable healthcare providers to accurately describe the services they provide to patients, ensuring that insurance claims are processed smoothly and promptly by the payors.