Valuing neurosurgery services: part II. The interdependence of Current Procedural Terminology and federal Medicare payment policy.

Abstract

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) policies for coding of medical procedures and services are adopted by the American Medical Association CPT editorial panel. Since institution of the Medicare Fee Schedule in 1992, the Medicare budget neutrality rule has strongly influenced CPT policies for the coding of additions or modifications. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare program policies, particularly payment limits, influence code modification strategies and CPT editorial panel processes.