What symbol is used in coding to indicate the introduction of a new code?

In medical coding, the symbol used to indicate the introduction of a new code is a bullet. The bullet symbol signifies that the code has been added in the most recent version of the coding manual, such as the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) or International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codebooks. This is crucial for coders, as it alerts them to new codes that need to be incorporated into their coding practices, ensuring they are using the most up-to-date references and promoting accuracy in medical billing and coding.

The other symbols serve different purposes in coding. For instance, a plus sign typically indicates that additional codes may be required to fully describe a procedure or condition, while facing triangles are used to denote changes to existing codes. Understanding these symbols allows medical coders to navigate the coding manuals effectively and maintain compliance with current coding standards.