The latest code sets include Spanish-language descriptors and streamlines SDOH data capture.
Documentation and coding are a crucial element to the revenue cycle, making it even more important for leaders to stay up to date with changes and new additions to the code sets.
Here are some of the most recent HealthLeaders stories on coding, including updates for 2024.
The 2024 CPT code set has been released.
The American Medical Association released the 2024 code set in early September, with over 300 updates including 230 additions. Over 50 codes related to COVID-19 vaccination were consolidated, and rev cycle leaders should be sure to review the clarifications made regarding the reporting of evaluation and management services.
Spanish language descriptors were also incorporated into the code set in an effort to improve accessibility for Spanish-speaking patients.
CMS implements ICD-10-CM code changes, and SDOH take center stage.
Another code update includes the 2024 diagnosis code set. These changes affect the way certain diseases, accidents and injuries, and social determinants of health (SDOH) are reported.
To better address patient’s social need and broader social determinants of health, 30 new diagnosis codes were added for factors influencing health status and contact with health services. There are also special guidelines for reporting these codes.
CMS is placing further emphasis on SDOH data.
In early October, CMS published an infographic illustrating ways organizations can improve upon the ways they collect SDOH data.
SDOH data enables revenue cycle leaders to better predict healthcare utilization patterns and allocate resources more efficiently to ultimately lower healthcare costs. CMS’ recent attention to SDOH data suggests there may be focus on future reimbursement for these services.
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.