What is a CPT Code?
Learn about Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and how they're used in medical billing.
5 min read
Understanding CPT Codes
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are five-digit numeric codes used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services provided by healthcare professionals. These codes were developed and are maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Why CPT Codes Matter
CPT codes serve several important purposes:
- Standardization: They provide a uniform language for describing medical procedures
- Billing: Healthcare providers use them to bill insurance companies
- Documentation: They help maintain accurate medical records
- Research: They enable analysis of healthcare trends and outcomes
CPT Code Categories
CPT codes are organized into three categories:
Category I (00100-99499)
These are the most common codes, covering:
- Evaluation and Management (99201-99499): Office visits, consultations
- Surgery (10021-69990): All surgical procedures
- Radiology (70010-79999): X-rays, MRIs, CT scans
- Pathology and Laboratory (80047-89398): Blood tests, biopsies
- Medicine (90281-99607): Vaccines, physical therapy
Category II (0001F-9007F)
Supplemental tracking codes for performance measurement.
Category III (0001T-0999T)
Temporary codes for emerging technologies and procedures.
Common CPT Code Examples
| CPT Code | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 99213 | Office visit, established patient | Routine follow-up appointments |
| 99214 | Office visit, established patient (detailed) | More complex medical issues |
| 90834 | Psychotherapy, 45 minutes | Mental health counseling |
Note: Our site provides educational explanations for CPT codes, not official descriptors. For official CPT descriptions, consult the AMA CPT codebook.