Exploring the 2025 AMA CPT Code Changes: What Medical Coders Need to Know.
Each year, the American Medical Association (AMA) releases updates to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare.
The 2025 changes are no exception, as they aim to streamline coding practices and ensure accuracy in billing and documentation. If you're a medical coder or healthcare professional, staying informed about these updates is essential to maintaining compliance and ensuring proper reimbursement for services.
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In this blog, we'll dive into the key changes to the AMA CPT codes for 2025 and explore how they may impact your daily coding practices.
Why Are CPT Code Updates Important?
CPT codes serve as a universal language between healthcare providers and payers, ensuring that services and procedures are documented and reimbursed accurately. As healthcare advances and new technologies emerge, the need for updated codes becomes clear. Changes in CPT codes may include new codes for innovative procedures, revisions to clarify existing codes, or deletions of outdated ones.
The 2025 changes reflect the continued evolution of healthcare, including expansions in telemedicine, innovative diagnostic tools, and adjustments to common procedural codes.
Key Changes in the 2025 AMA CPT Code Set
Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring Codes Expansion
Telehealth services have become a significant part of healthcare, especially post-pandemic. The 2025 CPT updates expand on existing telemedicine codes, adding more granularity for different types of virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, and follow-up care. These changes reflect the growing importance of telehealth in chronic disease management, behavioral health, and routine check-ups. (E/M) section, there are 17 new telemedicine codes (98000-98016), effective Jan. 1, 2025. And, as expected, the telephone E/M codes (99441-99443) are deleted.
Notable Changes:
New codes for remote patient monitoring, particularly for devices that capture data in real-time.
Expansion of codes for telehealth consultations between healthcare providers.
Specific codes for audio-only consultations, addressing situations where video technology is not available.
In the Surgery section, there are 33 new codes, effective Jan. 1, 2025, for autografts, arthroplasty, and other surgical procedures.
Innovations in Diagnostic Testing
The 2025 CPT code changes also bring new codes for advanced diagnostic tools, particularly in genetics, molecular pathology, and radiology. As precision medicine continues to grow, these updates allow coders to capture specific tests that were previously underrepresented or coded less accurately. Radiology has just six new MR safety implant codes (76014-76019)
Notable Changes:
New codes for next-generation sequencing and genetic testing.
Adjustments to imaging procedure codes, particularly in MRI and CT scanning.
Expanded codes for molecular pathology and laboratory testing.
The vaccine administration code 90480 will be new.
Revisions to Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes
Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes have undergone significant changes over the past few years, and 2025 continues this trend. The updates aim to reduce administrative burden by simplifying documentation requirements while maintaining accuracy in coding. Many of these changes are aimed at reducing redundant documentation, allowing providers to focus more on patient care. In the Pathology and Laboratory section, you’ll find 13 new codes effective Jan. 1, 2025, including 81195 for reporting cytogenomic analyses. There are also many PLA codes that debut in CPT® 2025.
Notable Changes:
Streamlining of E/M documentation requirements for office visits.
Clarifications to time-based coding for prolonged services.
Further refinement of split/shared visit guidelines for providers sharing patient care responsibilities.
Surgical and Procedural Codes Updates
Several changes to surgical and procedural codes are coming in 2025, particularly in specialties like dermatology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology. These updates focus on providing clarity and specificity for procedures like biopsies, endoscopic interventions, and minimally invasive surgeries.
Notable Changes:
New codes for advanced endoscopic procedures.
Revisions to coding for skin biopsies and excisions.
Expanded codes for robotic-assisted surgeries, reflecting increased use of this technology.
Deletions and Code Consolidations
In an effort to reduce redundancy and eliminate outdated practices, the AMA has removed several codes in the 2025 update. Some services that are no longer commonly performed, or that have been replaced by newer technology, have been consolidated into broader, more flexible codes.
Notable Changes:
Consolidation of overlapping codes for similar procedures.
Deletion of codes for obsolete technologies and techniques.
How to Prepare for the 2025 CPT Code Changes. Exploring the 2025 AMA CPT Code Changes: What Medical Coders Need to Know.
As with any coding update, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition. Here are some steps to help you stay ahead of the curve:
Review the Official AMA Updates: Be sure to consult the official 2025 CPT codebook or the AMA website for a comprehensive list of all changes. Staying informed directly from the source is the best way to ensure accuracy.
Update Your Coding Tools: Ensure your coding software and resources are up to date with the 2025 changes. Many electronic health records (EHR) systems will automatically update their code sets, but it's still important to verify that your tools are current.
Participate in Training and Webinars: The AMA and other coding organizations often offer webinars, training sessions, and continuing education opportunities to help medical coders understand the new updates. Taking advantage of these resources will help you feel confident in applying the new codes.
Communicate with Providers: Ensure that the healthcare providers you work with are aware of the changes, especially in areas like E/M coding and telehealth services. Accurate documentation is crucial for smooth coding and reimbursement.
Practice with Real-Life Scenarios: One of the best ways to prepare is to work through case studies or coding scenarios that reflect the new 2025 CPT updates. This will help you understand how the changes will affect your day-to-day coding workflow.
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Final Thoughts. Exploring the 2025 AMA CPT Code Changes: What Medical Coders Need to Know.
The 2025 AMA CPT code changes reflect the ongoing evolution of healthcare and the need for accurate, efficient coding practices. By staying informed and preparing early, medical coders can ensure a smooth transition and continue to provide high-quality coding support in their organizations.
Stay ahead of the curve by reviewing the official AMA updates, attending training sessions, and updating your coding tools to reflect these changes. As always, knowledge is power, and understanding these updates will help you maintain compliance and optimize reimbursement in 2025 and beyond.
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