CPT Codes Explained: What You Need to Know
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes describe medical services and procedures. They are central to billing because they determine how providers are reimbursed.
How CPT codes affect your bill
Different CPT codes have different values and can change the total charge. Ensure the codes on your bill match the care you received.
Where to look them up
You can search CPT codes online or ask your provider for the code definitions. If a code seems inconsistent with your visit, ask for clarification.
Sources include CDC, NIH, PubMed, LabTestsOnline and selected works by Dr. Atul Gawande, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, Dr. Eric Topol, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Abraham Verghese, Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Jerome Groopman, Dr. Peter Attia, Dr. Danielle Ofri, and Dr. Lisa Sanders.
Medical disclaimer: This article is informational and not medical advice. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.