The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) 2025 updates effective as of January 1, 2025, bring substantial changes to the medical coding landscape, introducing 270 new codes, 38 revisions, and 112 deletions. These changes reflect the rapid advancements in medical technology, procedures, and care delivery models, offering healthcare providers the tools to document and bill for a broader range of services accurately. The updates aim to streamline reporting processes while ensuring coding accuracy for reimbursement.
This summary outlines the primary updates, organized by section, along with the broader implications for providers, coders, and patients.
Evaluation & Management (E&M) Section Update:
- One of the most significant changes is the introduction of 17 new telemedicine codes, categorized by real-time audio video and audio-only encounters. The service must be performed by a physician or qualified health care professional (QHP). Codes selected are based on whether the patient is new or established and whether medical decision-making (MDM) or time is used to select the level for the service. These new E&M codes align with existing E&M coding methodologies.
Surgery Section Updates:
Surgery is another section that was significantly altered for 2024, with 33 new codes and 5 revised codes.
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Integumentary System
New codes (15011-15018) for Autologous Skin Cell Suspension (ASCS) mark a leap forward in wound care and burn treatment. ASCS uses the patient’s own cells to enhance healing, providing a cutting-edge approach to managing complex skin defects. Eight new CPT codes were generated to capture SCSA (15011-15018), and new guidelines address how to apply the new codes.
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Musculoskeletal System
Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty suspension is a surgical procedure that treats thumb arthritis by removing diseased joint tissue and suspending the first metacarpal bone A new consolidated code (25448) simplifies reporting for carpometacarpal (CMC) suspension arthroplasty, a common hand surgery. This change eliminates the confusion caused by redundant codes, improving documentation clarity. New 2025 CPT code: 25448, Arthroplasty, intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints; suspension, including transfer or transplant of tendon, with interposition, when performed.
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Hemic and Lymphatic System
Four new codes (38225-38228) have been introduced for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, an innovative treatment for certain cancers. These codes provide greater granularity in documenting cellular and gene therapy procedures, which are becoming standard in cancer care. CAR-T Therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses a patient’s own T cells to fight cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is FDA-approved to treat certain types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It can be effective when other treatments aren't working.
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Digestive System
Outdated tumor resection codes have been replaced with five new ones (49186-49190), reflecting modern surgical techniques used to treat intra-abdominal tumors. These updates improve coding specificity and align with current clinical practices. These codes include cytoreduction, debulking, or other methods of removal of tumor(s) or cysts(s) via open approach.
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Urinary System
The updates introduce three new codes (51721, 55881, and 55882) for TULSA (transurethral ultrasound ablation), a minimally invasive, MRI-guided procedure used to treat prostate cancer and enlargement. This represents a shift toward less invasive, more precise treatment options in urology. The entire procedure takes place in an MRI scanner so that doctors can closely monitor treatment and assess the degree and location of heating. The procedure takes about three hours, and the patient can usually go home the same day.
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Nervous System
In 2025, anesthesiologists will have six new plane blocks they can report on, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is covering the codes. Plane blocks are a form of regional anesthesia used to manage post-operative pain. These codes enhance coding accuracy for procedures targeting fascial planes and are applicable across various specialties.
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Eye and Ocular Adnexa
One new category one CPT code (66683) has been added to capture implantation of an iris prosthesis. This procedure addresses significant vision and light regulation issues caused by trauma or congenital conditions.
Medicine Section Updates:
The introduction of 18 new Medicine Section codes demonstrates the evolving nature of medicine and emerging technologies.
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Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling
A new section was created that contains one new code and instructional guidelines. Updates to genetic counseling codes (96041) reflect the increasing demand for personalized care based on genetic insights. These services are provided by trained genetic counselors and may include obtaining a structured family genetic history, pedigree construction, analysis for genetic risk assessment, and counseling of the patient and family. Code 96041 is used to report the total duration of time spent by the genetic counselor to provide genetic counseling services.
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Therapeutic, Prophylactic, and Diagnostic Injections and Infusion
Two new codes (96380-96381) were created for the administration of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody. The revised RSV antibody administration codes address the growing need for preventive measures against respiratory syncytial virus.
Category III Updates:
Some of the most significant updates in the 2025 CPT code set were made to Category III, with 81 new codes, 2 revisions, and 13 deletions. Category III codes are a set of temporary codes to capture emerging procedures, services, technology, and service paradigms. Among the most notable changes are:
Six new category III codes have been added to enable reporting of subcutaneous insertion, revision, removal, programming, or replacement of a percutaneous peritoneal ascites pump (0870T-0875T). Subcutaneous ascites pumps (0870T-0875T) are designed to manage fluid buildup in patients with advanced liver disease.
One new category III code (0867T) for transperineal laser ablation for a prostate of larger volume (> 50 mL). Transperineal laser ablation is a novel treatment for prostate enlargement.
Seventeen new codes (0915T to 0931T), a new subsection “Cardiac Contractility Modulation-Defibrillation (CCM-D),” and new guidelines to were created to report CCD-D services. This system combines cardiac contractility modulation for symptom relief from chronic heart failure with defibrillation protection against sudden cardiac arrhythmia into a single therapy. A CCM-D system consists of a pulse generator and two transvenous electrodes (leads): one defibrillation lead and one pacemaker lead. All services associated with CCM-D implantation, revision, extraction, and follow-up should be reported utilizing Category III codes 0915T-0931T. All catheterization and imaging guidance required to complete a CCM-D procedure are included in the work of each code.
Four new codes (0827T to 0940T) were created to report continuous external ECG monitoring for greater than 15 days up to 30 days. New codes have been established for reporting non-monitored external ECG recordings lasting more than 15 days and up to 30 days continuously. These may only be reported once during a 30-day period. The new codes fill a gap in medical coding because existing codes could only be reported for external ECG device recordings that last up to 15 days or less (e.g., 93224-93227, 93241-93244, and 93245-93248).
Practical Takeaways for Revenue Cycle Members
The CPT® 2025 updates are not just about new codes—they represent an opportunity for healthcare providers to refine their practices, align with modern clinical standards, and improve patient care. Below are actionable steps for healthcare organizations and coders:
Stay Educated. With 270 new codes and numerous revisions, ongoing education is crucial for providers and coders. Regular training sessions and review of official CPT® guidelines will ensure that staff remain compliant and up to date.
Invest in Technology. Advanced coding software and EHR systems can help automate the implementation of the new codes, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Providers should evaluate their current systems to ensure they support the latest updates.
Focus on Documentation. Accurate and detailed documentation is key to effectively leveraging the new codes. Providers must ensure that patient records include the necessary details to support the use of specific codes.
The Path Forward
The CPT® 2025 updates represent a significant step forward in aligning medical coding with modern clinical practices. By embracing these changes, healthcare providers can enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and ensure appropriate reimbursement for advanced treatments. However, success will require a proactive approach, including staff education, technology investments, and a commitment to accurate documentation.
By prioritizing these efforts, providers can navigate the complexities of the CPT® 2025 updates and position their organizations for success in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Download our eBook, 2025 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code Set Overview, for more details on these changes.
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