An Introduction to CPT Coding: Understanding CPT: Format and Structure

Hours: 0.50

Course Code: REL-RCC-AMA-001

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) is a code set developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) that describes physicians' and other qualified healthcare professionals' (QHPs) medical services and procedures. CPT is also the designated code set for reporting services provided by facilities or other entities in specific circumstances. This course covers the basic structure, format, purpose, and usage of the CPT code set. This course includes an overview of the CPT sections and appendices, and the format of CPT codes, as well as the code symbols and terminology used throughout the codebook. A current copy of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®), Professional Edition, is strongly recommended to optimize your understanding of the content covered.

Course Description

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) is a code set developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) that describes physicians' and other qualified healthcare professionals' (QHPs) medical services and procedures. CPT is also the designated code set for reporting services provided by facilities or other entities in specific circumstances. This course covers the basic structure, format, purpose, and usage of the CPT code set. This course includes an overview of the CPT sections and appendices, and the format of CPT codes, as well as the code symbols and terminology used throughout the codebook. A current copy of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®), Professional Edition, is strongly recommended to optimize your understanding of the content covered.

Certificates

Certificates provided by accrediting body (2 Match)

American Academy of Professional Coders

0.5 HOURS

This activity is approved for 0.5000 contact hours.

American Health Information Management Association

0.5 HOURS

“This program has been approved for 0.5000 continuing education unit(s) for use in fulfilling the continuing education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Granting prior approval from AHIMA does not constitute endorsement of the program content or its program sponsor.”

Course Details

Course Code: REL-RCC-AMA-001

Hours: 0.5

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026

Learning Objectives:
Describe the use and basic structure and format of the CPT code set.
Define the three categories of CPT codes (Category I, Category II, and Category III).
List the major sections of CPT.
Recognize the symbols and conventions in the CPT code set.
Identify the information in the CPT appendices.

Outline:

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Overview of CPT

What Is CPT?

The CPT Code Set

Categories of Codes

Overview of the CPT Process

CPT Coding and Reimbursement

Understanding Coverage Policies

Correct Coding Edits

Review

Section 3: CPT Format and Structure

Sections and Subsections

Terminology

Format of the Terminology

Add-on Codes

Review

Unlisted Procedures

Code Modifiers

Guidelines

Time

Review

Section 4: CPT Symbols

The Symbols

Review

Section 5: CPT Index

Alphabetical Reference Index

Using the CPT Index

Steps for Using the CPT Index

Review

Section 6: CPT Appendices

Appendices

Review

Section 7: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Glossary

Exam and BrainSparks

Writer: Sarah A. Serling, CCS, CPC, COC, CRC, CCS-P, CEMC, CPC-I, ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer

Sarah is a Subject Matter Expert/Writer for Relias's Revenue Cycle and Coding online education. Sarah is credentialed by AHIMA as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist Physician-based (CCS-P), as well as an approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. She is also credentialed by AAPC as a Certified Professional Coding Instructor (CPC-I), a certified professional coder (CPC), a certified outpatient hospital coder (COC), and a Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), with specialty certification in Evaluation and Management Services (CEMC). Sarah extensive experience in both professional and facility ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS coding, education, auditing, and revenue cycle management. She has clinical experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Medical Assistant (MA) and has served as Director of Physician Billing and Reimbursement for a regional health system, Manager of Coding and Compliance for a hospital and cancer center, and Business Manager of Physician Practices at a teaching hospital, as well as a coding auditor and consultant. Sarah has also authored several coding textbooks, and other instructional resources.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Coding Specialists; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.

Relias will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous/Online Distance Learning; please see certificate details for specifics on delivery format.
Relias has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Support by completing the web form (https://www.relias.com/help) or by using the chat functionality.
All courses offered by Relias, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of, or affiliation with, Relias, LLC.
All characteristics and organizations referenced in the following training are fictional. Any resemblance to any actual organizations or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Accommodations
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Customer Support here.

An Introduction to CPT Coding: Understanding CPT: Format and Structure

$ 30.0 Paid $30.00 $30.00

American Academy of Professional Coders

American Health Information Management Association

$ 30.0 Paid $30.00

$30.00