Yes, medical procedures and diagnosis codes do change annually. There are two main coding systems used in the US:
- ICD-10-CM: This system is used to diagnose diseases and other health conditions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and updates the ICD-10 code list annually on April 1st https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fy-2024-icd-10-cm-coding-guidelines-updated-02/01/2024.pdf. This may involve adding new codes for recently discovered conditions, revising descriptions of existing codes, or even removing outdated codes.
- CPT: This system is used to code medical procedures and services. The American Medical Association (AMA) maintains the CPT code list. An updated version is released every year in October, taking effect the following January 1st https://upvio.com/blog/practice-management/how-often-are-cpt-codes-updated. Similar to ICD-10, the AMA may introduce new codes for novel procedures, update existing codes, or remove codes that are no longer used.
These updates are essential to ensure the coding systems accurately reflect advancements in medical science and practice. They also help with proper billing and reimbursement for healthcare services.