The 2025 CPT release contains 420 updates, including 270 new codes, 112 deletions, and 38 revisions. The 2025 code set is effective January 1, 2025.
Five years ago when COVID brought the world to a screeching halt, the need for technological advances and medical innovation spurred a movement that has ushered us into a new era, and sparked most of the changes happening in the 2025 update.
Big changes in telehealth services, revisions to digital medicine, and additions in the AI taxonomy introduced in 2023 round out the 420 updates in the 2025 CPT release including 270 new codes, 112 deletions, and 38 revisions.
Here are a few key examples of things you’ll need to know:
Highlights from the new 2025 CPT codes
Telemedicine CPT codes added to evaluation and management (E/M)
A new section of evaluation and management codes (E/M) includes 17 options available to report for audio/video services for new and established patients. Audio only codes have also been created.
Examples:
| 98000 | Synchronous audio-video visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires 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. |
| 98004 | Synchronous audio-video visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires 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, 10 minutes must be met or exceeded. |
| 98008 | Synchronous audio-only visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires a medically appropriate history and/or examination, straightforward medical decision making, and more than 10 minutes of medical discussion. When using total time on the date of the encounter for code selection, 15 minutes must be met or exceeded. |
| 98012 | Synchronous audio-only visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires a medically appropriate history and/or examination, straightforward medical decision making, and more than 10 minutes of medical discussion. When using total time on the date of the encounter for code selection, 10 minutes must be exceeded. |
Additional specificity to CPT codes for augmented/artificial intelligence (AI)
The need for AI augmentative data analysis created 7 new codes in the AI taxonomy of the category III CPT code section. This adds specificity to AI services and procedures by defining them as assistive, augmentative, or autonomous.
Examples:
| 0877T | Augmentative analysis of chest computed tomography (CT) imaging data to provide categorical diagnostic subtype classification of interstitial lung disease; obtained without concurrent CT examination of any structure contained in previously acquired diagnostic imaging |
| 0898T | Noninvasive prostate cancer estimation map, derived from augmentative analysis of image-guided fusion biopsy and pathology, including visualization of margin volume and location, with margin determination and physician interpretation and report |
| 0902T | QTc interval derived by augmentative algorithmic analysis of input from an external, patient-activated mobile ECG device |
Revisions for CPT codes to incorporate digital medicine
Revisions for remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) services were among the changes for this update, adding device supply for data access or data transmissions to support RTM of patients, and digital therapeutic intervention to various descriptions.
Examples:
| 98975 | Remote therapeutic monitoring (eg, therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); initial set-up and patient education on use of equipment |
| 98976 | Remote therapeutic monitoring (eg, therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of respiratory system, each 30 days |
| 98977 | Remote therapeutic monitoring (eg, therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of musculoskeletal system, each 30 days |
| 98978 | Remote therapeutic monitoring (eg, therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of cognitive behavioral therapy, each 30 days |
Future-proof your terminology management strategy
The 2025 CPT code update represents another step forward in improving billing accuracy, efficiency, and patient care within the healthcare industry. The introduction of new codes and revisions to existing ones reflects the ongoing evolution of medical practices, technology, and treatments. These changes are designed to improve documentation and streamline reimbursement processes, enabling healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care while meeting regulatory and financial requirements.
As the healthcare landscape continues to change, staying informed and adapting to these updates is essential for professionals to effectively navigate the complexities of modern medical coding. With standards bodies releasing 600+ updates a year it can be hard to keep up with manual processes. A clinical terminology management solution can help ensure your organization is always leveraging accurate and updated reference data.
The experts at Health Language are here to help you and your team navigate terminology updates seamlessly throughout the year. Explore more resources for simplifying code set management or speak to an expert to learn more about streamlining your processes!
