npj Digital Medicine (Dec 2022)

Developing current procedural terminology codes that describe the work performed by machines

  • Richard A. Frank,
  • Robert Jarrin,
  • Jordan Pritzker,
  • Michael D. Abramoff,
  • Michael X. Repka,
  • Pat D. Baird,
  • S. Marlene Grenon,
  • Megan Ruth Mahoney,
  • John E. Mattison,
  • Ezequiel Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-022-00723-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
pp. 1 – 4

Abstract

Read online

Abstract The “Taxonomy of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Services and Procedures” became part of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set effective January 1, 2022. It provides a framework for discrete and differentiable CPT codes which; are consistent with the features of the devices’ output, characterize interaction between the device and the physician or other qualified health care professional, and foster appropriate payment. Descriptors include “Assistive”, “Augmentative”, and “Autonomous”. As software increasingly augments the provision of medical services the taxonomy will foster consistent language in coding enabling patient, provider, and payer access to the benefits of innovation.