What does the bullet symbol signify in the CPT codebook?

The bullet symbol in the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codebook signifies that a procedure or service is new. This symbol serves as an important visual cue for medical coders and auditors, highlighting codes that have been added for the current edition of the codebook, allowing them to stay current with the latest medical services and billing practices. Recognizing these new additions is crucial for accurate coding and ensuring that medical practices are billing correctly for services rendered.

In the context of the options provided, understanding why the other options do not apply is also beneficial. The first choice regarding obsolescence is indicated by a different symbol, specifically the square symbol, which denotes that a procedure has been deleted from the code set. The option regarding revised procedure descriptions is marked with a triangle, indicating that existing codes have been modified or clarified. Finally, the requirement for prior authorization is not represented by a unique symbol in the CPT guidelines; such requirements are typically found in payer-specific documents rather than the CPT codebook itself. Thus, the use of the bullet symbol serves a clear purpose in identifying new procedures and services within the coding system.