What is a primary cpt code?

Answer 1

CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. These codes are used to give a uniform term for procedures for the purpose of efficiency in filing claims.

There is a particular code for every medical service.

You might find this helpful for further information:

patients.about.com/od/costsconsumerism/a/cptcodes.htm

Answer 2

Primary CPT code is the main CPT code that denotes the majority of the services provided to the patient on the billed date of service. When multiple procedures are performed on a patient on a billed DOS, the procedure with the highest RVU (Relative value Unit as assigned by CMS) is considered the primary procedure and is reimbursed at 100% of the allowed amount. The other procedures billed with this primary procedure are billed with 51 modifier (multiple procedure) and are reimbursed at a lower rate than the primary CPT code.