New CPT Code Changes for 2025: 17 New Telemedicine Codes

The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, and with the release of the 2025 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set, significant updates have been introduced, particularly in telemedicine services. For psychiatric mental health practices, understanding these changes is crucial for accurate billing and optimal reimbursement.

Introduction to the 2025 CPT Code Updates

The American Medical Association (AMA) has unveiled the 2025 CPT code set, featuring 270 new codes, 38 revisions, and 112 deletions. A notable addition is the introduction of 17 new telemedicine codes, reflecting the growing integration of telehealth in patient care. (Source: AMA)

Overview of the New Telemedicine Codes

Effective January 1, 2025, the CPT code set includes the following telemedicine codes:

New Patient Telemedicine Visits

98000: Synchronous audio-video visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, requiring a medically appropriate history and/or examination and straightforward medical decision-making. When using total time on the date of the encounter for code selection, 15 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98001: Similar to 98000 but with low medical decision-making; 30 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98002: Moderate medical decision-making; 45 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98003: High medical decision-making; 60 minutes must be met or exceeded.

Established Patient Telemedicine Visits

98004: Synchronous audio-video visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, requiring a medically appropriate history and/or examination and straightforward medical decision-making; 10 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98005: Low medical decision-making; 20 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98006: Moderate medical decision-making; 30 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98007: High medical decision-making; 40 minutes must be met or exceeded.

Audio-Only Telemedicine Visits (New and Established Patients)

98008: Audio-only telemedicine visit for a new patient, requiring a medically appropriate history and/or examination and straightforward medical decision-making; 15 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98009: Low medical decision-making; 30 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98010: Moderate medical decision-making; 45 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98011: High medical decision-making; 60 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98012: Audio-only telemedicine visit for an established patient, requiring a medically appropriate history and/or examination and straightforward medical decision-making; 10 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98013: Low medical decision-making; 20 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98014: Moderate medical decision-making; 30 minutes must be met or exceeded.
98015: High medical decision-making; 40 minutes must be met or exceeded.

Brief Virtual Communication

98016: Brief communication technology-based service (e.g., virtual check-in) by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional who can report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related evaluation and management service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an evaluation and management service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment; 5-10 minutes of medical discussion.

These codes are designed to provide specificity in reporting telemedicine services, distinguishing between audio-video and audio-only encounters, and accounting for the complexity of medical decision-making and time spent. (Source: MedCentral)

Implications for Psychiatric Mental Health Practices

For psychiatric practices, these new codes offer a structured framework to accurately document and bill for telemedicine services. The differentiation between audio-video and audio-only services allows for flexibility in patient interactions, catering to varying patient needs and technological capabilities.

Transition from Previous Codes

With the introduction of these new telemedicine codes, certain existing codes have been deleted:

99441-99443: Previously used for telephone E/M services, these codes have been removed to streamline telemedicine coding.
HCPCS code G2012: Used for virtual check-ins, this code has been replaced by CPT code 98016.

It’s essential for practices to update their billing systems and documentation processes to align with these changes, ensuring compliance and accurate reimbursement. (Source: AAPC)

Enhancing Practice Efficiency with PMHScribe

At PMHScribe, we understand the complexities of medical coding and the importance of staying current with industry changes. Our AI-driven scribe and practice management tools are designed to seamlessly integrate these new CPT codes into your workflow, simplifying the documentation process and reducing administrative burdens.

Though our software includes CPT codes, knowing the code changes will ensure you are choosing the correct codes for your practice. Staying informed and proactive about updates allows for accurate documentation and optimized reimbursement. With PMHScribe, you can feel confident that your practice is aligned with the latest coding standards.

Download Our Comprehensive CPT Code Cheat Sheets

These resources are free with your PMHScribe trial, located in our resource list.

Conclusion

The 2025 CPT code updates mark a significant advancement in telemedicine, providing psychiatric mental health practices with the tools to accurately document and bill for a range of services. By embracing these changes and utilizing innovative solutions like PMHScribe, your practice can continue to deliver high-quality care in an evolving healthcare environment.

For more detailed information on the 2025 CPT code changes, refer to the official AMA release. (Source: AMA)