Chapter 2 Symbols

Question 1

• The word before the semicolon can stand alone
• The words after a semicolon relies in the description before the semicolon in the preceding entry to complete the code description.

Answer 1

Stand Alone and Semicolon ;

Question 2

Indicates a new code for the current year
Listed in Appendix B

Example:
 35702 Exploration not followed by surgical repair, artery; upper extremity (eg, axillary, brachial, radial, ulnar)

Answer 2

Bullet

Question 3

Indicates a revised code for the current year
Listed in Appendix B

Example:
 35701 Exploration not followed by surgical repair, artery; neck (eg, carotid, subclavian)

Answer 3

Triangle

Question 4

Indicates new or revised text
Used throughout CPT
Example (appears after code 20924)
One in the beginning and one on the end

Answer 4

Facing Triangles

Question 5

Designed as an add-on code
Must be used in addition to the primary procedure code
Summary of codes in Appendix D

Answer 5

Plus Sign +

Question 6

• Exemption to modifier 51
• Cant use modifier 51 with these codes
• Applies to physician coding only
• Listed in Appendix E

Answer 6

Null Symbol(circle with a line in the middle)

Question 7

Identifies codes for vaccines that are pending FDA approval.

Answer 7

Pending FDA Approval Symbol (lighting bolt)

Question 8

CPT codes do not appear in numeric sequence

Answer 8

Resequenced code #

Question 9

Telemedicine
99244 Office consultation
Use with modifier 95

Answer 9

Star

Question 10

Assigned to codes when more than one Proprietary Laboratory Analysis (PLA) test has an identical descriptor.

Answer 10

Duplicate PLA codes (back-sided brackets)

Question 11

PLA code has met the Category I criteria but will remain in PLA section of CPT.

Answer 11

Category I PLA code (Up and down facing arrows)