AMA CPT® Assistant - 1991 Issue 3 (Fall)
The CPT Process: Part 2 (Fall 1991)
Fall 1991 pages 1-4 The CPT Process: Part 2 In the last issue of the CPT Assistant , we discussed the overall CPT process -the history of CPT, the maintenance of CPT, and how suggestions for changes to CPT are reviewed. In this issue, we'll discuss in more detail how you can submit suggestions for changes to CPT. Purpose of CPT The purpose of CPT is to provide a uniform language that accurately describes medical, surgical and diagnostic services. It is generally based upon the procedure being consistent with contemporary medical practice and being performed by many physicians in clinical...
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Article Overview
This article explains the CPT code-change submission process as described in a Fall 1991 CPT Assistant piece. It covers the kinds of issues reviewers looked at when deciding whether a new CPT descriptor was warranted, how requests were routed through AMA and specialty review, and where related HCPCS coding change requests were directed. The article is most relevant to coders, physicians, and coding committees who want to understand the general structure of CPT maintenance and proposal review.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding the CPT process helps readers evaluate whether a service belongs in an existing code structure or requires a request for change. It also clarifies the organizations and review steps involved in updating CPT and related HCPCS coding systems.
Article Sections
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Fall 1991 pages 1-4
Introduces the article and frames the discussion within the broader CPT process and code maintenance context.
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Purpose of CPT
Describes the general purpose of CPT as a standardized language for reporting physician services and procedures.
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Questions to Answer Before Submitting Suggestions for Changes to CPT
Outlines the broad categories of review questions used when considering whether a proposed change belongs in CPT. The section discusses common types of concerns that may affect how a request is evaluated.
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Discussion
Provides narrative explanations of the review topics introduced above and describes the overall submission and review workflow for proposed CPT changes.
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Send your request to
Lists the mailing destination for submitting CPT coding change requests to the AMA.
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HCPCS request information
Gives separate contact information for inquiries about coding change requests related to the HCFA HCPCS alpha numeric portion.
What You Will Learn
- How the CPT code change review process was organized in 1991
- What broad issues were considered before proposing a CPT change
- How CPT requests moved from initial review to specialty advisor input and panel review
- What types of information a requester was expected to provide with a proposal
- How related HCPCS change requests were handled separately
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Medical coders
- Coding managers
- Coding committees
- Practice administrators
- Health information professionals
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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