In the coding context, what does "CPT only" signify?

The term "CPT only" signifies codes that have no counterparts in any other coding system. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are specifically created to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures performed by healthcare providers. These codes are unique to the CPT system, and designs like this ensure standardized communication about healthcare services. While other coding systems, like the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), offer codes for diagnoses, they do not have one-to-one counterparts for every CPT code.

This concept distinguishes the specificity and unique application of CPT codes in billing and documentation within the healthcare framework, emphasizing their unique function within the medical coding landscape. Thus, their isolation from other coding systems is critical for proper billing and reporting.