What does “CPT” stand for in medical billing?

"CPT" stands for Current Procedural Terminology, which is a standardized system used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. Established by the American Medical Association, CPT codes are essential for health care providers to communicate accurately about procedures and services performed on patients. These codes are utilized for billing and insurance reimbursement, enabling healthcare institutions to categorize and report medical services efficiently.

The use of CPT codes helps ensure uniformity in billing across various healthcare settings and providers, which is critical for proper claims processing and reimbursement. By maintaining a consistent coding system, CPT facilitates clear communication among providers, insurers, and patients, ultimately promoting better healthcare financing and management.

While options like Current Patient Testimony and Comprehensive Patient Treatment might sound relevant, they do not accurately represent an established term in medical billing. Similarly, Clinical Practice Techniques refers to methods of delivering medical care but does not relate to the formal coding system used for billing purposes. Therefore, Current Procedural Terminology is the correct and recognized terminology in this context.