What implication does a hyphen have in the coding index of the CPT manual?

The presence of a hyphen in the coding index of the CPT manual signifies a code range. When a hyphen appears, it indicates that there are multiple codes that fall within that range and that the codes may represent similar procedures or related services. This allows for efficient coding and helps coders recognize that they have a range of codes available for a specific procedure or service rather than just a single code. Understanding this convention is essential for accurate coding as it helps to ensure that the appropriate code is selected based on the specific circumstances of the procedure performed.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the use of the hyphen in the coding index. A new section is typically represented by a change in formatting or numbering rather than a hyphen, experimental procedures have a specific coding designation that does not involve a hyphen, and code modifications are usually noted with different symbols or text explanations rather than indicating a range.