What is the meaning of the "Forbidden" symbol in the CPT codebook?

The "Forbidden" symbol in the CPT codebook signifies codes that are exempt from modifier 51, which indicates that these specific codes should not be reported in conjunction with other procedures on the same day of service. This exemption is particularly important because modifier 51 is applied to procedural codes to indicate that multiple procedures were performed during one session. Therefore, when a code is marked with the "Forbidden" symbol, it alerts the coder and healthcare provider that billing for additional procedures on the same day does not apply to this specific code. Understanding this symbol is essential for ensuring compliance with billing rules and avoiding improper claims submission.