CPT® and HCPCS are Here: Prepare for 2023

CPT® codes are effective Jan. 1, 2023.

The American Medical Association (AMA) released CPT 2023 on Sept. 12. There are 225 new codes, 75 deletions, and 93 revisions. Most of the changes fall in the Evaluation and Management (E&M) section. The 2023 CPT codes are effective Jan. 1, 2023.

The October 2022 release of the HCPCS codes was posted on Sept. 27. This release includes the following:

• 28 additions;
• One coverage and long description change;
• 10 coverage changes;
• Five discontinued codes;
• Seven long description changes;
• 17 payment changes; and
• 7,527 no changes.

CPT and HCPCS codes are used by hospitals and physician offices. On the hospital side, the CPT codes are used in outpatient coding, and on the physician side, CPT codes are assigned for visits. HCPCS and CPT codes are utilized in the chargemaster for hospital billing purposes.

It is not too soon to begin preparations for the 2023 chargemaster update. Review the revenue and usage report. Are there any items that have zero usage? It is also important to meet with administration to discuss plans for new services or strategy changes for the coming year. It is imperative that the chargemaster coordinator meet with the departments to review the previous year’s performance, as well as plan for the coming year. The 2023 CPT book will be helpful when reviewing the CPT codes for the ancillary department.

The chargemaster prices will need to be updated based on 2023 rates. Ensure that the item descriptions accurately reflect the supply, drug, or service provided. All charge screens will need to be updated with added items and any changes. If you are charging on documentation, review what documentation drops the charge.

Lastly, update the price transparency file that is published on your website. This update will provide your patients with an accurate estimate of charges. A minor update will be needed after the January 2023 release of HCPCS.

Programming note: Listen to Laurie Johnson’s live Coding Report every Tuesday on Talk Ten Tuesdays with Dr. Erica Remer and Chuck Buck.