Coders Desk Reference For Procedures 2021
It’s that time of year again! The Coders Desk Reference For Procedures (CDR) has been updated for 2021. This reference is used by coders to help report accurate diagnosis and procedure codes.
What’s New for 2021
There are a few changes to the CDR for 2021. Here are some of the highlights:
- New codes have been added for several procedures, including some minimally invasive surgery codes.
- Existing codes have been revised to reflect changes in technology or practice.
- A few codes have been deleted because they are no longer used.
How to Use the CDR
The CDR is organized by body system and then by procedure. To use the CDR, simply find the procedure you are coding in the table of contents and look up the code in the corresponding section.
Where to Get the CDR
The CDR is available in print and electronic formats. The print version can be ordered from the American Medical Association (AMA) website. The electronic version can be downloaded from the CMS website.
Additional Resources
In addition to the CDR, there are several other resources that can be used to coding procedures. These include:
- The AMA’s CPT Assistant
- The CMS’ National Coverage Determinations
- Local Coverage Determinations
- Your coding manual
Be sure to consult these resources when coding procedures to ensure accuracy.
