AMA 2024 CPT Code Set Addresses Language Barriers, Immunization Codes

The American Medical Association (AMA) has unveiled the 2024 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set, featuring a notable enhancement addressing language barriers through the incorporation of Spanish descriptors for medical services. Annually, the AMA introduces a fresh edition of the CPT code set, typically four months before its operational commencement on January 1st. The 2024 update to the CPT code set encompasses 230 new additions, 49 removals, and 70 revisions, constituting a sum of 349 editorial modifications. This edition aims to enhance transparency for Spanish-speaking patients by introducing Spanish-language, consumer-friendly descriptors for over 11,000 medical procedures and services. While many healthcare institutions and entities already employ consumer-friendly descriptors in English for documents, insurance forms, price sheets, and patient portals, the addition of Spanish descriptors will facilitate healthcare providers in assisting patients within the Latinx community, as emphasized by the AMA.