Question

Case 5.2 CPT Symbols

5. Identify the symbol next to a code that means that conscious sedation is a part of the procedure that the surgeon performs, and list five examples from CPT.

6. Identify the symbol next to a code that means that FDA approval is pending, and list one example from CPT’s vaccines and toxoids code section (codes 90476-90749).

7. Identify the symbol next to resequenced code, and list one example from CPT 2010 or later.

Answer 1

CPT codes were developed by American Medical Association (AMA) in 1966.

5. Circled bullet symbol placed before a CPT code is used to denote that conscious sedation or moderate sedation is part of the surgical procedure.

Five examples are 99143, 99144, 99145, 99148, 99149. Primary surgeon provides the sedation in 99143, 99144, 99145.

Other than primary physician, trained professional provides sedation in 99148, 99149

6. Symbol of lightning bolt indicates that FDA approval is pending.

90477 code for adenovirus vaccine for oral use. It is type 7, live vaccine.

7. # (a number sign) is used for resequenced code.

Example- 21555 – excision of tumor, or soft tissue of neck or anterior thorax. It is subcutaneous and less than 3 cm.

#21552, 3cm or greater