Top CPT Codes Used for Accounts Receivable Services in Healthcare Practices
In today’s healthcare environment, efficient revenue cycle management is crucial. A key component of this is the Accounts Receivable (A/R) process, which ensures that providers get paid accurately and on time for the services they deliver. Understanding which CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are commonly associated with A/R-related services can significantly improve billing accuracy, reduce denials, and boost financial performance.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the most important CPT codes related to A/R functions, their usage, and best practices to integrate them into your billing workflow.
What Are Accounts Receivable (A/R) Services in Healthcare?
Accounts Receivable Services refer to the systematic follow-up of claims submitted to insurance companies to ensure payment. These services often include:
Denial management
Payment posting
Insurance follow-up
Appeals
Patient collections
Account audits
While there are no direct CPT codes for back-office A/R tasks (since CPT codes are used for clinical procedures), some CPT and HCPCS codes are used in relation to administrative and billing functions—especially when working with medical billing outsourcing services or revenue cycle management companies.
Top CPT and HCPCS Codes Associated with A/R and Billing Support
Note: A/R tasks themselves are not billable in the traditional CPT code system. However, the codes below often align with services that support A/R functions or are part of administrative workflows.
CPT 99080 – Special Reports
Description: Preparation of special reports such as insurance forms, more than the information conveyed in standard medical communications.
Use Case: When a provider prepares an extensive report or document to assist in insurance claim processes or appeals.
CPT 99358 – Prolonged Non-Face-to-Face Service Before and/or After Direct Patient Care
Description: Time spent reviewing records or documentation that supports a claim or appeals.
Use Case: Used when a physician invests time (30+ minutes) in activities like medical reviews for payer-related documentation—indirectly supporting A/R.
HCPCS Code G2212 – Prolonged Services with Office/Outpatient E/M
Description: Add-on code for prolonged time spent in office/outpatient services.
Use Case: While not directly tied to A/R, it ensures accurate reimbursement for longer services—helping avoid underpayment and improving receivables.
HCPCS Code G2066 – Remote Physiologic Monitoring Treatment Management Services
Description: Used for billing remote care management—particularly valuable in ensuring recurring payments and reducing aging A/R.
Use Case: Helps in managing long-term monitoring claims that otherwise risk A/R delays.
CPT 99457 – Remote Physiologic Monitoring Treatment Management, 20+ Minutes
Description: Covers interactive communication and treatment management.
Use Case: Supports revenue cycle stability for chronic care services by maintaining steady reimbursements.
Best Practices to Improve A/R Processes Using CPT Codes
While most A/R tasks are operational and non-billable, accurate CPT code usage ensures clean claims, which is essential to keeping your A/R days low. Here are key practices:
Ensure correct documentation: CPT codes like 99358 or 99080 often require detailed time logs or special reports.
Leverage technology: Use billing software to ensure modifier accuracy, bundling rules, and correct code pairings.
Track denials and rebills: A/R teams should identify patterns and ensure original CPT code use was justified and documented.
Train staff regularly: Your coding and billing team must stay updated with changes in CMS and AMA guidelines.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Modifiers
Some modifiers also play a key role in getting paid accurately and faster:
Modifier 25: Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day.
Modifier 59: Distinct procedural service – often used to unbundle services.
Modifier 91: Repeat clinical diagnostic test.
Correct use of these modifiers can prevent denials and speed up collections, positively impacting A/R.
Conclusion
While CPT codes aren’t designed to bill for traditional A/R services directly, they support the financial health of a healthcare practice by ensuring documentation, billing, and reimbursement processes run smoothly. Knowing which codes to watch—and how they align with the broader revenue cycle—is key to minimizing delays, avoiding denials, and optimizing collections.
If you're looking to streamline your A/R process, consider partnering with a medical billing service provider who understands not only clinical coding but also the nuances of revenue recovery.
