¶ Using Mobile Apps for CPT Lookup
Mobile applications provide a convenient and portable solution for performing CPT code lookups, especially for healthcare professionals who require quick access to coding information in various settings. These apps are designed to offer user-friendly interfaces and advanced search functionalities, enabling users to efficiently find and verify CPT codes on-the-go.
Utilizing mobile applications for CPT code lookup offers several advantages and disadvantages:
¶ ✅ Pros:
Portability and Convenience: Mobile apps provide on-the-go access to CPT codes, allowing healthcare professionals to retrieve information anytime, anywhere, without the need for physical code books or desktop computers.
Regular Updates: Many apps offer automatic updates, ensuring users have access to the most current coding information, which is crucial for accurate billing and compliance.
Enhanced Features: Some applications include advanced functionalities such as search filters, favorites, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs), enhancing the efficiency of the coding process.
¶ ✖️Cons:
Subscription Costs: Since the AMA requires any app that uses the CPT© Code Set to pay a royalty fee, there are few free alternatives, and they often require subscriptions or in-app purchases, which can add to the expenses for healthcare providers or institutions.
Learning Curve: Adapting to a new app may require time and training, especially for individuals who are accustomed to traditional coding methods or different software platforms.
Dependence on Technology: Reliance on mobile devices and internet connectivity can be a limitation in areas with poor reception or in situations where device usage is restricted, unless the apps are designed to work off-line.
¶ Which are the top mobile apps for CPT Lookup?
After looking at all the mobile apps on the market, here are the top ones we recommend for mobile coding.
¶ iCoder App
iCoder offers a robust CPT code lookup tool with smart search capabilities, enabling users to enter keywords, partial phrases, or fragments to quickly locate CPT codes. The app provides additional details such as Relative Value Units (RVUs), global periods, and modifiers, ensuring accurate and efficient coding. It also provides some unique tools like the musculoskeletal browser for orthopedics, around 11 surgery coding tools and Code Vision, a tool that lets you snap a picture of anything containing medical codes and looks them up in an instant for faster lookups.
¶ Important Stats
| Average Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 based on 107+ ratings |
|---|---|
| Years on App Stores | 14+ |
| Frequent Updates | Yes |
| Cost | $79.99 per year |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Code Sets | CPT©, HCPCS, ICD10-CM, ICD10-PCS, NDC |
| Works On | iOS, Android, Web, Mac |
¶ Review Consensus for iCoder
Based on user reviews from the App Store, the iCoder CPT RVU ICD10 HCPCS app is highly regarded among healthcare professionals for its efficiency and comprehensive features. Users appreciate its ability to streamline the billing process, with one reviewer noting, "This is a great app to help decrease your overall billing burden." The app's functionality to create favorites for regularly performed procedures has been highlighted as a significant productivity booster. Additionally, the developers are commended for their responsiveness and excellent customer service, as evidenced by a user who reported a problem and received a same-day fix. However, some users have expressed a preference for the older version's navigation simplicity, though they still find the new version user-friendly. Overall, the app is recommended for its comprehensive coding capabilities and supportive developer engagement.
¶ ✅ Pros
- Free 30 day trial – Try before you buy without risk
- Comprehensive Code Search – Quickly find CPT and ICD-10 codes with intelligent search, even handling typos and partial words.
- Favorites & Organization – Save and organize codes into unlimited folders for easy access.
- Code Vision – Quickly snap a picture of handwritten or typed codes and it looks them up
- NCCI Edits Checker – Verify up to 10 codes at a time to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Up-to-Date Data – Always current with the latest CMS updates.
- GPCI & RVU Support – View geographically adjusted RVU values.
- Anesthesia Fee Calculator – Quickly determine anesthesia fees with ASA Crosswalk®.
- Cross-Coding Support – See matching ICD-10 codes for CPT codes, prioritizing your favorites.
- Offline Access – Work without an internet connection, with cloud sync across devices.
- Multi-Platform Support – Available on iPhone, Android, Mac, and the web.
- No Auto Subscriptions – You’re only charged if you subscribe after the free trial.
- Long time on the market – 14 years.
¶ ❌ Cons
- Subscription-Based – Requires a paid subscription after the free trial.
- Requires Internet for Syncing – While it works offline, cloud sync needs an internet connection.
- Not RVU tracking – Focuses on coding rather than case tracking.
¶ 🔗 Where to get
¶ CPT QuickRef
The CPT® QuickRef app, developed by the American Medical Association (AMA), serves as an authoritative mobile reference for healthcare professionals seeking accurate and efficient Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding. This official AMA app offers up-to-date CPT codes, descriptors, and guidelines, ensuring users have access to the latest coding information. A notable feature is the Evaluation and Management (E/M) Wizard, designed to assist in selecting appropriate E/M codes in accordance with AMA and CMS guidelines. Additional functionalities include the ability to save frequently used codes to a favorites list, access to facility and non-facility Relative Value Units (RVUs), and over 200 procedural illustrations to aid in understanding complex procedures. The app provides a 14-day free trial, after which users can opt for in-app purchases to maintain full access. With its comprehensive tools and user-friendly interface, CPT® QuickRef is a valuable resource for medical practitioners aiming for precise coding and billing.
¶ Important Stats
| Average Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 based on 365+ ratings |
|---|---|
| Years on App Stores | 10+ |
| Frequent Updates | Yes |
| Cost | $59.99 per year |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Code Sets | CPT© Only |
| Works On | iOS, Android |
¶ Review Consensus for CPT© QuickRef
Based on the provided user reviews for the CPT® QuickRef app by the American Medical Association (AMA), users have reported mixed experiences. Some users have successfully utilized the app by ensuring proper registration and login procedures, finding it functional and useful for coding and billing purposes. However, several users have encountered significant issues, including difficulties accessing purchased content, problems following app updates, and challenges in obtaining responsive customer support. These issues have led to frustration among users, with some expressing dissatisfaction regarding the app's reliability and the AMA's support services. Overall, while the app has potential benefits, these recurring access and support challenges have notably impacted user satisfaction.
¶ ✅ Pros
- Free 14 day trial – Try before you buy without risk
- Comprehensive Resource – The app provides access to up-to-date CPT codes, descriptors, and guidelines, serving as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals seeking accurate coding information.
- E/M Wizard Feature – Assists users in selecting appropriate E/M codes, enhancing coding accuracy and efficiency.
- Created by the AMA – This is the official CPT© app from the American Medical Association.
¶ ❌ Cons
- Access Issues: Some users have reported difficulties accessing purchased content, even after completing necessary registration and login procedures.
- Technical Glitches: There have been instances where app updates have led to functionality problems, such as the app refusing to open or certain features becoming unresponsive.
- Customer Support Challenges: Several users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support in resolving access and technical issues.
- Few features for the price: You only get CPT© search, it does not include HCPCS, ICD10-CM or NDCs, which means you would have to get other apps for those code sets.
- No offline support: If at some point you lose internet connectivity you will not be able to search for codes.
¶ 🔗 Where to get
¶ Mobile Coder Orthopedics
Mobile Coder Orthopedics is a specialized mobile application designed by an orthopedic surgeon to streamline the coding process for fellow orthopedic professionals. The app features a unique graphical interface that allows users to select relevant anatomical zones, providing tailored lists of CPT® codes for efficient searching. A powerful text search function is also available to target specific procedure codes. Users can mark frequently used codes as "favorites" for quick access. The app includes a comprehensive set of CPT® codes applicable to general orthopedic surgeons, foot specialists, and hand specialists. Additional functionalities include the ability to apply modifiers, use the same code multiple times for a single patient, and generate full procedure reports that can be emailed directly to billing departments. Patient procedure details are logged and stored for future reference, making it a valuable tool for residents and professionals collecting cases for research or board recertification. The app is available as a free lite version, with an option to upgrade to the full version via in-app purchases for access to an extensive range of CPT® codes across various orthopedic zones.
¶ Important Stats
| Average Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 based on 36+ ratings |
|---|---|
| Years on App Stores | 10+ |
| Frequent Updates | Yes |
| Cost | $99.99 per year |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Code Sets | CPT© Only |
| Works On | iOS, |
¶ Review Consensus for Mobile Coder Orthopedics
Based on user reviews, Mobile Coder Orthopedics is generally well-received among orthopedic professionals for its efficiency in streamlining the coding and billing process. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, which allows for quick selection and emailing of CPT© codes to office managers, facilitating timely billing. The app's design by an orthopedic surgeon adds to its relevance and practicality in clinical settings. However, some users have reported challenges, such as difficulties in transferring patient information between app versions and a lack of response from customer support. Additionally, suggestions for improvement include the ability to set default email addresses for outgoing data and reducing the frequency of pop-up notifications during code selection. Despite these concerns, the app maintains a high user rating, reflecting its overall positive impact on orthopedic coding practices.
¶ ✅ Pros
- Specialized Design – Created by an orthopedic surgeon, the app caters specifically to the needs of orthopedic professionals, ensuring relevant and practical features.
- Intuitive Interface – The graphical interface allows users to select anatomical zones, providing tailored CPT® code lists for efficient searching.
- Comprehensive Code Database – Includes a wide range of CPT® codes applicable to general orthopedic surgeons, foot specialists, and hand specialists.
- Favorite Codes Feature – Users can mark frequently used codes as "favorites" for quick access, enhancing efficiency.
- Procedure Reporting – Enables the generation of full procedure reports that can be emailed directly to billing departments, streamlining the billing process.
¶ ❌ Cons
- No ICD10 – The app does not include an ICD10-CM search
- Not available on Android - This app was not found on the PlayStore
- CPT© Search could be better –Searching for partial terms or fragments did not yield any results
- Data Transfer Limitations – Some users have reported issues with transferring patient information between app versions, leading to potential data loss.
- Customer Support Responsiveness – There have been instances where users did not receive responses from customer support when seeking assistance.
- Pop-up Notifications – Certain users find the frequent pop-up notifications during code selection to be disruptive, slowing down the entry process.
- Limited Free Version –The free version offers limited access to codes, requiring an upgrade to the full version for comprehensive use.
¶ 🔗 Where to get
Mobile Coder Orthopedics on the App Store
Mobile Coder Orthopedics on the PlayStore
Why did the medical coder break up with their partner? Because they couldn't handle the constant "problems in relationship with in-laws" (Z63.1)! 🤣