The Future of Medicine: What to Expect in the 2025 CPT Update
Date Posted: Wednesday,
January 08, 2025
The 2025 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) update introduces 420 changes, including 270 new codes, 112 deletions, and 38 revisions, and takes effect on January 1, 2025.
In the five years since the COVID-19 pandemic transformed healthcare, technological advancements and medical innovation have fueled significant updates. The 2025 CPT release reflects this progress, featuring substantial changes in telehealth, digital medicine, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CPT Code Set
Telemedicine: New Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes
Seventeen new E/M codes were added to accommodate telemedicine, covering both audio-video and audio-only services for new and established patients.
Examples of telemedicine codes:
- 98000: Synchronous audio-video visit for a new patient, requiring a medically appropriate history and/or examination and straightforward medical decision-making. A minimum of 15 minutes must be spent.
- 98004: Synchronous audio-video visit for an established patient, requiring a medically appropriate history and/or examination and straightforward medical decision-making. A minimum of 10 minutes must be spent.
- 98008: Synchronous audio-only visit for a new patient, requiring more than 10 minutes of medical discussion and straightforward decision-making. A total of 15 minutes must be met.
- 98012: Synchronous audio-only visit for an established patient, requiring more than 10 minutes of medical discussion and straightforward decision-making.
Augmented/Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhanced Specificity
Seven new codes were added to the Category III CPT AI taxonomy, enhancing clarity around AI services and categorizing them as assistive, augmentative, or autonomous.
Examples of AI codes:
- 0877T: Augmentative analysis of chest CT imaging for diagnostic subtype classification of interstitial lung disease, without concurrent CT examination.
- 0898T: Noninvasive prostate cancer estimation map derived from image-guided fusion biopsy and pathology, including margin visualization and physician report.
- 0902T: QTc interval derived from augmentative analysis of data from a patient-activated external ECG device.
Digital Medicine: Updates to Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)
Revisions to RTM codes introduced device supply requirements and expanded the scope to include digital therapeutic interventions.
Examples of RTM codes:
- 98975: Remote therapeutic monitoring, including setup and patient education on equipment use.
- 98976: RTM device supply for data access or transmission, supporting monitoring of the respiratory system (30-day period).
- 98977: RTM device supply for data access or transmission, supporting monitoring of the musculoskeletal system (30-day period).
- 98978: RTM device supply for data access or transmission, supporting cognitive behavioral therapy monitoring (30-day period).
Preparing for the Future of Medical Coding
The 2025 CPT update marks a significant step forward in improving documentation accuracy, billing efficiency, and patient care. The changes reflect the evolving landscape of medicine, integrating new technologies, treatments, and practices. By improving standardization and streamlining reimbursement, these updates empower healthcare providers to meet modern demands while delivering high-quality care.
Given the frequency of updates—over 600 changes annually—it can be challenging to keep up with manual processes. Implementing a clinical terminology management solution can help ensure your organization remains aligned with the latest standards and reference data.
For more guidance on simplifying code set management or to explore tailored solutions, the experts at Health Language are able to help. Stay ahead of the curve and streamline your processes with confidence.
Source: AMA
