NextGen Healthcare created the Coding Update File for distribution which included the 2016 CPT codes, the 2016 HCPCS Level II codes and the RV mappings to both the 2016 CPT and HCPCS codes. After initially releasing the 2016 HCPCS Level II codes in mid-November 2015, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) added, changed, and deleted certain codes in early December 2015, which were to become effective 1/1/2016. These corrections were made by CMS after NextGen Healthcare released the Coding Update File.
The CMS corrections after their initial release impacted 49 HCPCS Level II codes:
- 7 new codes were added
- 28 codes were deleted
- 12 codes had short or long descriptions changed
- 1 code was not valid and was replaced by another code
- 1 code added a pricing indicator of 21
The specific changes can be seen by reviewing CMS Releases 2016 HCPCS Corrections; we recommend checking the CMS HCPCS site throughout the year for any additional changes that may be released by CMS.
While not all CMS changes may impact each client, the following identifies the steps to incorporate the CMS HCPCS code corrections:
- You will need to manually update your HCPCS codes to include any necessary changes that may impact your practice.
- First review the KE topic, How Do I Modify my CPT and SIM Codes to Comply with CMS’s 2016 HCPCS Corrections? This article provides directions on how to add new codes, hide existing codes that need to be deleted, or to change the Short Descriptions to existing codes.
If you need additional assistance, please contact Client Support to open a ticket. A Support Representative will be able to guide you in modifying your HCPCS codes.