News: New update to 2024 CPT includes Spanish language descriptors and code changes

The American Medical Association (AMA) has released its annually updated Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set for 2024.

Among its usual code modifications, this newest iteration of the CPT now includes Spanish language descriptors.

“Navigating medical care and paperwork can be especially challenging for Latinx patients who do not speak English or speak English as a second language,” said AMA Senior Vice President of Health Solutions Lori Prestesater.

According to the AMA, the 2024 CPT code also includes 349 editorial changes, 230 additions, 49 deletions, and 70 revisions.

Here is a highlight of some of the more prominent modifications to the 2023 edition:

• Covid-19 immunizations: The 2024 CPT update consolidates and streamlines 50 codes used for reporting COVID-19 immunizations and will also contain AMA-approved provisional codes for Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent vaccine products. Additionally, the AMA has replaced product-specific COVID-19 vaccine administration codes with a general administration code.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): The AMA has issued five new codes to reflect the administration of product-specific RSV immunizations. According to the AMA, these changes will allow for better data-driven tracking, reporting, and analysis.
• Evaluation and management (E/M): The CPT has also removed time ranges for office or outpatient visits, aligning the format with other E/M codes. Additionally, it has provided a definition for “substantive portion” as it relates to shared physician/non-physician visits, as well as a set of directives for reporting the administration of care services occurring over two calendar days.

Editor’s note: To read the AMA press release on the 2024 CPT, click here.