 | Shoreline |
In the ever-evolving world of medical billing, changes are constant and inevitable. One such significant change occurred in the year 2023 with the deletion of several Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, namely 99354-99355, 99241 and 99251, 99318, 99339, and 99340. This deletion brought about a wave of changes in the industry and necessitated a deeper understanding of what these codes represented and what, if anything, replaced them.
CPT codes 99354-99355 pertained to prolonged service with direct patient contact. These codes were used when healthcare providers offered services beyond the usually allotted time. In their stead, new time-based codes were introduced that offered a more granular approach, allowing for a precise representation of the time spent with a patient.
CPT codes 99241 and 99251 dealt with consultation services. The deletion of these codes was a step towards streamlining the billing process for both outpatient and inpatient consultations. They were replaced by a series of new codes that more accurately reflected the complexity and nature of the consultation services provided.
CPT code 99318 referred to an annual nursing facility assessment for a patient. With its deletion, healthcare providers were introduced to a new set of codes that truly encapsulated the breadth and depth of services offered in a nursing facility.
Lastly, codes 99339 and 99340 were associated with domiciliary or rest home care for the elderly or disabled. Their removal paved the way for an updated set of codes that better aligned with the evolving standards and needs of home care patients.
These deletions and subsequent replacements signaled a robust attempt to improve the precision and efficiency of medical billing. Healthcare providers need to stay current with these changes to ensure accurate billing and to maintain compliance with the latest regulations. By staying informed and adapting to these shifts, healthcare providers can continue to offer the highest standard of care while ensuring a smooth billing process that accurately represents the services rendered.
Ready to navigate the new landscape of medical billing codes and ensure seamless operations in your healthcare facility? Contact Shoreline today. Our team of dedicated specialists are up-to-date with the latest changes in the medical billing industry and are eager to help you transition smoothly. Don't let these changes disrupt your commitment to providing quality care - let us handle your billing so you can focus on what you do best.
Reach out to Shoreline now, for a worry-free, efficient, and compliant future in medical billing.