Several changes and revisions are expected for radiology coding and guidelines come 2022. In an online posting titled “CPT 2022 Anticipated Code Changes,” the American College of Radiology (ACR) outlined a preliminary guide of changes that radiology providers should know for 2022. However, be aware that the code changes listed in the article are not yet final. Rather, they reflect the actions taken by the CPT Editorial Panel at the time. Presented is an outline of the potential changes that radiology providers, physicians, CPT® coders, and healthcare regulatory and compliance teams should be aware of for the 2022 update season.
As a reminder, there are three types of CPT codes:
Understand that new category III codes were introduced within the Radiology section of the Current Procedural Terminology 2021 code set along with the addition of new codes effective in 2022. Furthermore, two early release Category III codes will be available for use in July 2021.
Among the early release codes, category III codes were established to detail the use of new and emerging technologies in the following:
Effective in 2022, category I and category III codes were established for reporting:
Expect to see six codes added for breast computed tomography. These codes, 0633T-0638T, were created within the CPT 2021 code set. This includes three unilateral codes, three bilateral codes for detailing breast CT without contrast, breast CT with contrast, and breast CT without and with contrast.
Before May 2020, according to the ACR, no CPT codes existed for reporting breast CT. The ACR notes that “Existing chest CT and CT angiography (CTA) imaging and equipment optimization for detection of breast lesions are sufficiently different than conventional chest CT to justify the creation of a separate Category III coding family.”
Added to the CPT 2021 code set are four codes, 0627-0630T, established in the CPT 2021 code set for detailing percutaneous injection of allogeneic cellular and/or tissue-based products. Understand that percutaneous allogeneic injection of the lumbar spine is a new therapeutic procedure. This procedure is conducted through imaging-guided injection of the lumbar spine by using allogeneic cellular and/or tissue-based products to replace or supplement the disc tissue or cells allowing for repair or reconstitution of damaged intravertebral disc(s).
Now available for reporting, 0623T–0626T were established to detail the use of automated quantification and characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaque applying raw data obtained from CCTA. Note that guidelines in the Diagnostic Radiology section also received revisions and were updated to include these new codes. Understand that “Automated advanced coronary analysis uses computer algorithms to provide additional analysis of coronary CTA (CCTA) beyond the conventional interpretation of CCTA.”
Some codes were released in December 2020. Understand that these codes will have an effective date of July 1, 2021. These codes will also be made available on the AMA’s website.
Two codes were created for Quantitative mp-MRI Two codes (0648T, 0649T) to report quantitative mp-MRI for the analysis of tissue composition, including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, and interpretation and report that is obtained either with or without a concurrent diagnostic MRI.
Being that quantitative mp-MRI is a new technology, it does not presently have a CPT code established. Understand that quantitative mp-MRI utilizes software to evaluate tissue physiology of visceral organs and other anatomic structures non-invasively, and acts to provide assistance in physician decision-making.
Effective as of January 1, 2022, expect to see new category I radiology diagnostic codes included in the CPT 2022 code set.
Trabecular bone score (TBS) will see the arrival of the four new codes for reporting. Understand that TBS provides measurements for the structural condition of the bone micro-architecture. This intern allows for better predictions of potential risks for major osteoporotic fracture independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and associated clinical risk factors.
Expect to see two new codes to arrive for thermal destruction of the intraosseous basivertebral nerve. The new procedure detailed in the code offers chronic low-back pain relief for patients. Watch out for a new parenthetical note alerting users that these new codes will be included in the Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Vertebral Augmentation subsection of the Musculoskeletal section of the CPT 2022 code set.
Stay tuned for further insight and analysis as more news becomes available on both coding and regulation for 2022. Master obstacles with more monthly insight into compliance and coding challenges through our Radiology Compliance Manager Newsletter.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is once again proposing to eliminate the inpatient only list starting in January 2026, repeating the process
Today, in utilization news, there is a warning to any surgeons who may be reading this – or anyone who works with surgeons. You may
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Gain clarity and confidence in OB‑GYN coding with this expert‑led webcast featuring Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS‑P, CPEDC, COPC. You’ll learn how to apply global maternity package rules accurately, select the right CPT codes for procedures and visits, and identify documentation gaps that lead to denials. With practical guidance and real examples, this session helps you strengthen compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure accurate reimbursement for women’s health services.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s third quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Stay ahead of the 2026-2027 audit surge with “Top 10 Audit Targets for 2026-2027 for Hospitals & Physicians: Protect Your Revenue,” a high-impact webcast led by Michael Calahan, PA, MBA. This concise session gives hospitals and physicians clear insight into the most likely federal audit targets, such as E/M services, split/shared and critical care, observation and admissions, device credits, and Two-Midnight Rule changes, and shows how to tighten documentation, coding, and internal processes to reduce denials, recoupments, and penalties. Attendees walk away with practical best practices to protect revenue, strengthen compliance, and better prepare their teams for inevitable audits.
BLOOM INTO SAVINGS! Get 25% OFF during our spring sale through March 27. Use code SPRING26 at checkout to claim this offer.
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 1 with code CYBER25
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
