How to Use the 2021 CPT Manual for Medical Coding - Current Procedural Terminology Book Instructions

Learning medical coding and stuck on howto use the CPT book? Need someone to just walk you through it? Well, in this video, I discuss the 2021 CPT book and guide you through the different sections. This is not a page-by-page view, nor is it a full instruction on how to code anything in CPT. This video is an introduction to the book and all the components.
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CPT copyright American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

[@ContempoCoding]

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[@JenniferPerryMyScraproom]

I just started my Intro to CPT (AAPC) and I thought my eyes were going to bleed with the lecture. I knew I was missing something and the way you explained the book is just what I needed. Time to go start that lecture over. Thank you.

[@annabrasuhn5598]

Me to! I am watching now. The problem is have is trying to look them up with operative reports they give! I don't know the name of the surgeries since i am a beginner and struggle looking them up. So technical that they almost forget i am new learning. They did so much to teach you how to look up icd10 using the index but it's like they forgot to teach us the index on the cpt. I got an extension read the book and did the interactive lesson outside blackboard and am stuck in cardiovascular and afraid to take the exam

[@JenniferPerryMyScraproom]

@@annabrasuhn5598 The cardio section took me 3 weeks and I was totally doubting myself. I had to take the chapter exam twice but did pass it. Stick with it. I now know that I will not be working in a cardiologist office. 🙂

[@annabrasuhn5598]

@@JenniferPerryMyScraproom me either

[@sabrina1979]

Your videos are so thorough and informative, I'm so glad I found your channel! I come back here every time I have questions and almost always find a video. Thank you for providing this!!

[@LiveLifeinHarmony]

I’m in the HIT program at my local college and I’ve learned more from you than from what the corse teaches♥️ Thank you so much. Hope to hear soon that you’re teaching CPC course😍

[@arthurshat7793]

That’s awesome! I’m also in an HIMT program at my local college and graduate this month! I only wish we had had more coding courses in the program. SO MUCH material to cover. I hope you absolutely slay your program!👏🏻❤️

[@lisajohnson-cole2823]

Agree I graduated in 2016 from the RHIT program and I have learned more from her as well; better.

[@JessTarot33]

Im sitting for my CCA soon and this video was extremely helpful for a beginner! thank you sooo much you are so engaging, I watched the entire video and took great notes. looking forward to checking out more of your content!

[@sandybird2]

What good timing- I just got to the CPT manual in my studying and thought OMG this looks intimidating!!! This video was super helpful. Thanks, looking forward to the how-to-tab video. That's next today... Best to you ;)

[@nataliepixelins]

Thank you for making this! I have been taking classes, and it felt like they just kind of threw me in without explaining things. These have helped me so, so much.

[@ladyblades7352]

I’m currently taking online hit courses and just started CPT. These videos have helped so much.

[@iam_carlapretty1202]

I enjoyed going over my manual with you thanks 😊 so much . I really know more about my manual now

[@bernfran1313]

I always enjoy your explanations and helpful suggestions. Thanks

[@empressred1413]

I just passed my Diagnostic coding class 🎉. Now I'm starting my procedural coding class. I'm so excited to become a professional medical coder 🙏🏼. Thank you for your videos.

[@ContempoCoding]

Very cool, Empress! And you're welcome!

[@anastasiaowens9]

You really know your Coding and Billing! And your Medical Terminology is GREAT !!! Thank you so much for your time to teach me things that I don't understand in my on line class. YOUR'E AWSOME. PS. I even like the way you response to some of your viewers.

[@Pita_Leela]

Yes my instructor is horrible she just doesn’t care or wants to help

[@AxelResto]

Even though this is an older manual, you still get it through. Thank You

[@ContempoCoding]

Yep, the codes change from year to year but how to use the books does not. :)

[@YesThatsMeFolks]

I love all your Videos! so helpful and easy to undersand!

[@yogrendel]

Thank you for all the great videos! I have recently passed my CPC exam and your videos were a big help in my preparation! I have started the AAPC's Practicode program and find that I am struggling. After looking online, I have found that many others find themselves in a similar situation. I would love to hear your view on academic vs practical coding, if there's any big stumbling blocks for people coming out of a CPC certification and into real world application, or whether practicum courses are intentionally designed as difficult. Thank you for all your great work and help so far and am looking forward to future videos!

[@sonyapasquali256]

I am also doing practicode and also struggling with it. So glad to hear I’m not the only one!

[@vivian318]

How many anatomy questions did you come across? I’m nervous about that

[@kayannaelaine]

I started following you on Tiktok about two weeks ago and im doing my assignment and this was a video to watch lol i love it

[@lmsatafb]

Thank you so much for the video! I am beginning an online CPT class for my AAS Medical Coding degree. I only have one class after this before I graduate. Your videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you!

[@ContempoCoding]

That's great, Lisa!! Which certification are you going for after you're done with your degree?

[@destineyvonderahe1196]

Starting coding classes soon and each video I watch gets me even more excited!

[@ContempoCoding]

That's awesome, Destiney!

[@scarlettfalcon3923]

So happy to have come across your page! I just signed up for thr CPC bootcamp through AAPC. It seems like a great course but its extremely overwhelming having so much information without an instructor, full study guides, outlines or breakdowns of each chapter. What advice would you give new students? Thank you! 🙏

[@margaret6935]

Yes yes yes and yes! Thank you for that video! ❤️

[@jeanicehoward5434]

Thank you for this video, it helped immensely!

[@erinlong563]

Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. I really appreciate you.

[@JillAyn67]

Terrific warm-up for the AAPC course. Tyvm 😊

[@ContempoCoding]

You're welcome, Jill!!

[@brittanyspiers7236]

This was so informative and helpful. Thank you! :)

[@vivian318]

Thank you!!! This helped me so much!

[@ContempoCoding]

I'm so glad!

[@stephclss2003]

Thank you!! What a great video!

[@TimelordessTardis]

Thank you so much !! I am a student and so scared because... well no one is going to say this is easy! It is difficult, but for some reason, I find it enjoyable... Just thank you again for being you!! :)

[@ContempoCoding]

You can do it! It just takes time and dedication. Thanks for hanging around and watching my videos and leaving a nice comment!!

[@zabrinatoney6828]

True. I just finished my 2nd semester and at the moment, I have a strong dislike for CPT! Now I’m just trying to wrap my head around it, after dedicating most studying to ICD-10. We’re currently between semesters so I’m trying to gain clarity on CPT, as I’m very comfortable with ICD-10 now

[@MelinasLife.]

I'm so confused when it comes to CPT. Got ICD down, but this is a lot!! Thank you for the videos. Could you show us examples on how to code using CPT??

[@ComputerScienceSimplified]

Incredible video, keep up the amazing work! :)

[@ContempoCoding]

Thank you! Will do!

[@coffeeiviced]

I've been using this book since Nov. 1, 2020. Wish I would have had this video back then. 🤔😁

[@ContempoCoding]

It's funny how the idea of making a video walking through the book never really occurred to me until a subscriber asked for it! I can see why a lot of instructors and courses don't include things like a book walkthrough or the guidelines review -- they took a lot longer than I thought they would!

[@poohbear100000000000]

Thank you for cations, I am hearing impaired 😊

[@ContempoCoding]

You bet!

[@meganhancock3919]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm studying Medical Billing & Coding and how to find the codes in CPT just wasn't making sense. This overview of the CPT book helped so much!

[@KnyteShade83]

Could you do a video on all the different niches and specialty areas there are available for coders?

[@_EyesThatSmile]

Thank you for your content!!!!!

[@ContempoCoding]

My pleasure!

[@LiveLifeinHarmony]

I needed this video today♥️. I’m in the boat now. Online college program with no instructions as to how to use this manual😫 Thank you soooo much🙏🏻

[@angelminibrandsandmore1399]

You are not alone. Just graduated and have the test scheduled and don't know much about the book

[@annabrasuhn5598]

@@angelminibrandsandmore1399we all are on that struggle bus

[@annabrasuhn5598]

I read the book instructions just didn't clock

[@michellb9897]

Awesomeness, many thanks! 😊

[@ContempoCoding]

You're very welcome!

[@daniellehenderson6753]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@FITNESSINSEATTLE]

girl thank u!!

[@krisdecker8622]

So glad I ran across your video. I picked up ICD-10-CM very quickly; it made sense to me. I am completely lost in my CPT course. I am taking my classes 100% online, so I have no actual human instruction and am so lost! Thank-you for making these videos. I subscribed and am going to go back and watch your other videos. You had said something about a link for a how-to on using the tabs. I didn't see it, could you please post that; I don't really understand how to do that on my own. Thank-you again.

[@samanthablanton5546]

I thought I was the only one who felt this way.😂

[@mistyb8697]

Very helpful!

[@ContempoCoding]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MariaSantos-gm7ps]

Thanks

[@yeygetup1577]

Thank you.

[@ContempoCoding]

You're welcome!

[@phxfarmer4844]

Thank you

[@twinklepoornima7]

THANK YOU!

[@ContempoCoding]

You're welcome. 🥰

[@puvi_ram]

u r doing great 😇

[@ContempoCoding]

Thank you, puvi!! 🥰

[@QueenTVGaligao22]

Thanks very informative 👏☺️🇵🇭

[@chrisstephens6985]

when coding how do you code in order when it comes to the ICD-10, CPT and the HCPCS?

[@williamlevenberg6104]

First off thank you, second if you use your iphone camera with the QR code on the front of the AMA CPT 2021 it takes you to the AMA page to register your book. Added security? I hope that helps explains the QR code on the cpt book.

[@M-Shell-Platt]

Thank you so very much for the great explanation! The remote course I am enrolled in doesn't have a detailed breakdown. Your instructions have been a true lifesaver!

[@YesThatsMeFolks]

Do we need to get a new updated book every year or can we use the same one? or does this only apply if you will be taking the exam that year?

[@deshawnburton3217]

Where do you the listing of cpt codes and the amount of united your allowed to bill? For example CPT code 14021 allows to units per day.

[@CECE1839]

Very informative, By the way, what is specifically included in each membership Tier?

[@missublime]

Thank you for your video. Do you have an efficient way to look for cat 2 and 3 cot codes . They are not in the index. I think I am missing something. Thank you

[@priyadharsinishivaji5697]

Thank you 😊. Is that ok to mark with highlighters or take notes in the book which one can use for exam too ?

[@SitAndChatWithTM]

I just finished school and I’m wondering should I use this book for my exam or 2022 if I’m taking my exam in the next 4 months

[@katrinaparris8013]

What would be helpful is showing the book data while you are discussing it. Closeups of specufic entries.

[@devinharrell9547]

If you know how to fill out a CMS-1500 can you make a video showing how to complete one.

[@vembugayathri]

hi thank u for the walk through, am a beginner & i wanna sit for the exam this year. I could use more video tutorials on coding CPT & ICD 10CM. Any suggestions will b really helpful. tia:)

[@senadadervisevic6098]

Is the book the cpt manual the book that we only use in college or do we use it to find the codes I'm looking for when I work?

[@sharonwilliamson7101]

I need your advice! I am a seasoned coder of Icd9cm, but I left 8 years ago to be a stay at home mom. I now want to be recertified as a RHIT, but never coded with the new Icd10cm. What would you suggest that I do? Thank you!

[@chispitapreciosa211]

I only have e-books copies of that manual, would you mind doing a video where you find a few codes in the e-book version? Or maybe on the physical copy, I am having a hard time as a student figuring out how to find codes.

[@ContempoCoding]

There's a bunch of videos on that. Check on the channel page, there's case studies videos plus I have a few recent chapter videos (integumentary, respiratory, etc) that have some sample questions with look-up.

[@maiseesorenson7147]

can you do a video that better explains Category an Appendix codes?

[@williamclement5001]

Hello I am having issues with a code that says look at this code and there are 3 codes and it says to find a page but I don't know what page because that's not listed

[@balramnayak4842]

Does a coder need knowledge of icd, cpt and hcpcs codes to become a certified coder? Does a coder need to memorize all these thre books codes? If not ,then what codes does he has to memories? Is it required to memorize all modifiers? I am a new to coding . I don't have knowledge on this..can u plz help me answering on my questions

[@taraspeaks6293]

How well does this book help case managers?

[@amymaier9259]

Is it okay if we may tabs for the CPT with the first number in a code in addition to the ones that come with the book?

[@ContempoCoding]

You can do that, yeah. The only real strict rules are no using post-its as tabs, it should clearly just be meant to bookmark the page.

[@deserietorrez5523]

I need help lol. How do I code Open Biopsy of left gastrocnemius muscle?

[@stefanigr3730]

I just started my cpt class this was helpful but i have question where do you find the j-codes i went through the book but don’t see them. I have cpt 2022

[@ContempoCoding]

They're in the HCPCS book.

[@locationchromakey6343]

Mam pls tell me about denail -e07 how to solve

[@Zimoria]

That's a big book, do you have to buy a new book each year? Or can you just get an updated cliff notes or something like just appendix B?

[@TM-100]

It's either a new book every year or an encoder that is regularly updated. 🤷🏼‍♀️ It's quite a racket.

[@kyramadison5657]

Is there a video of how to tab the book with the tabs they provided? You mentioned it in the beginning of the video, but I don't see a link anywhere..

[@ContempoCoding]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jae7opSKarioh7s

[@yasira83]

Hello Victoria, I have my diploma for medical coding and billing course at the national university college of Puerto Rico, I can be able to apply to the renown talent website even if I live in Puerto Rico?

[@ContempoCoding]

Hi yasira, you would have to contact them directly for that specific information.

[@ZELLA706]

When does the new issues come out? 1st of the year? I plan to take the courses after the first of the year but don’t want to buy books that I’m going to have to replace in a short time.

[@ContempoCoding]

CPT updates take effect Jan 1 every year. The new books typically release in December.

[@kaitlinm5924]

I didn't know I'd be a CPC-A first. Can CPC-As work remotely with no experience?

[@damlademir4106]

👍👍

[@danloyer6241]

Hi I ve been watching your channel and trying to learn the Medical Coding field (US) Is there a major difference learning Medical Coding from US to Canada?

[@ContempoCoding]

It's fairly similar.

[@dianaappiahkubi2]

Hello Thanks so much for the insight Please can you help me with how to navigate through the optum encoder cot manual I just began and it’s really difficult for me. I will be very grateful to any help u can give me I hope to here from you Thank you Diana

[@ContempoCoding]

I'm really glad to hear that you've found my content insightful! Regarding the Optum encoder CPT manual, I must let you know that I currently don't have access to that specific product, so I'm unable to provide detailed guidance on navigating it. However, I highly recommend reaching out to Optum's customer support or checking their online resources, as they could offer more direct assistance. Also, consider connecting with online forums or communities in medical coding - they can be incredibly helpful and supportive for beginners. I'm sorry I couldn't assist directly with this, but I truly wish you the best on your journey.

[@enquieseyoum3847]

If you register for CPC class with AAPC on July 24 2021 to be exact, do you have to take the exam by the end of December 2021?

[@ContempoCoding]

Your don't have to, but if you test in 2022 it's highly recommended you use 2022 code books.

[@enquieseyoum3847]

@@ContempoCoding Thank you so much.

[@ModernwomanEsmie]

Hi! I had a question... I’m about to start my online course & they asked us to use the CPT-2020... should I still purchase the CPT-2021? Even though it’s not part of our curriculum or books for us to purchase?

[@ContempoCoding]

I would check with your school -- CPT 2022 is actually about to come out next month and you'll need that book if you're taking a certification exam in 2022.

[@ModernwomanEsmie]

Yes, I believe I will be taking the exam in February 2022, thank you so much !

[@ModernwomanEsmie]

I just gave the school a call , thank you , your videos help so much x 100!

[@maryzimmerman5068]

TAKING CERTIFICATION EXAM, WHERE IN E/M IN THE BEGINNING OF THE CPT BOOK WHERE WOULD OUTPATIENT CODIND BE IN THE CODING BE, I LOOKED IN THE BEGINNING FOR ANSWERS, I WAS LIKE NOT SURE WHERE TO LOOK . COULD YOU MAYBE CONTACT ME BACK, I TOOK THE FIRST TEST IN MARCH POINTS SHORT 31, they requirement IS 390 IN THREE HOURS. THE TEST WAS NOT HARD JUST THINGS THAT I HAD NOT STUDYED MATERIAL FOR. I TOOK PENN FOSTER STUDY MATERIAL WHICH WAS LITTLE NOT WHAT IN STUDYED FOR.

[@khymbramoore]

I actually just received mines from school but I don't why I received 2 other Code Books 2021

[@ContempoCoding]

Because professional coding requires CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCs.

[@jerrythomasjoseph2316]

Do you have any easy notes for CPT coding

[@ContempoCoding]

Hi Jerry -- currently I do not have CPT notes available.

[@lizbethmoreno6519]

Have you done the 2022 version ?

[@ContempoCoding]

No because the changes weren't significant enough to warrant a second video, at least just yet.

[@terieshalewis905]

Can I use 2019 books for 2022 or 2023 to get lisence.

[@ContempoCoding]

You are still permitted to use older books but may be at a disadvantage due to code changes. The exam is currently based on 2022 codes and will be based on 2023 codes starting January 1, 2023. I would direct you to the guidance provided by the AAPC: www.aapc.com/certification/faq.aspx " What year's books should I use? Since the code sets for each coding book are updated every year, it’s essential for coders to have the current year’s books/manuals to ensure accurate performance. Reporting wrong codes can lead to denied claim submissions and substantial penalization. It’s clearly very important to get an education on the annual code set updates and to obtain new code books every year. All AAPC exams are based on the current calendar year’s code sets, so we strongly suggest you use the current year’s books. The previous calendar year’s books may be used on an exam, but you would be at obvious disadvantage doing so. The upcoming year’s books are not allowed for exam use. The exams are updated every January for the new code sets. Examinees using their second attempt in the next calendar year will not be permitted to take the previous year's exam. Note: Please make sure you are now using ICD-10 CM or ICD-10 PCS when needed."

[@terieshalewis905]

@@ContempoCoding thankyou so much this helps alot. 💖

[@jacksonladonna32]

How do I sign up for your crc course

[@ContempoCoding]

contempocoding.newzenler.com/

[@lynnworthen5618]

to you have this in the 2023 version?

[@ContempoCoding]

The structure and layout of the CPT book has not changed, and this video only covers that and not the actual codes. So the video would be unchanged for the 2023 version.

[@harikrishnaarchakam1420]

I wrote the exam in January, How long it's take to reach the certificate to me? I am from India🇮🇳.

[@ContempoCoding]

Hi Hari, please contact the AAPC directly for that information, thank you.

[@harikrishnaarchakam1420]

@@ContempoCoding Tan q

[@taurusj2725]

How can we contact with you ?

[@123suzyqtity]

would be nice if you could show more of the book

[@ContempoCoding]

I can't because of copyright laws. Sorry!

[@akilad6840]

How to download this book

[@ContempoCoding]

You can pay for and download the Kindle version here. www.amazon.com/Professional-2022-American-Medical-Association-ebook-dp-B09BBM2N8Z/dp/B09BBM2N8Z/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1651764227

[@shafiqkhan9042]

I'm Shafiq from Pakistan and Ned parogarm vaduo

[@rbogernc]

Turn your camera on the book when you are talking about the information please.

[@ContempoCoding]

Hi Rhonda! I am unable to do so because of copyright restrictions. The CPT book is copyrighted by the AMA and sharing substantial portions would be a violation of their intellectual property.

[@saralacey3555]

Can anyone share a PDF copy of this book. I can send you my email

[@ContempoCoding]

Hi Sara -- this book is copyrighted so the only way to obtain a legal copy would be by purchasing it.