Reporting Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) Codes (August 2018)

August 2018 pages 3-5 Reporting Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) Codes In 2016, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Editorial Panel approved the addition of the new Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) section in the CPT code set. PLA test codes were released on a quarterly basis and published on the CPT public website at www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt-pla-codes. The initial set of codes became effective on January 1, 2017. New PLA codes become effective in the quarter following their approval and publication. New PLA codes were also included in the annual update of the CPT codebook beginning in 2018. Due to...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article explains the CPT Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code subsection and the administrative process surrounding it. It is aimed at coders, laboratory billing staff, and stakeholders who need to understand how PLA codes are released, reviewed, and incorporated into the CPT code set, along with the general reporting framework and related AMA/CPT resources.

Why This Topic Matters

PLA coding affects how proprietary laboratory tests are represented in CPT and how laboratories align reporting with current code availability. Understanding the article helps readers follow the quarterly update cycle, application requirements, and the broader relationship between PLA codes and other laboratory coding pathways.

Article Sections

  1. August 2018 pages 3-5

    Publication context and the article’s placement within the August 2018 issue.

  2. Reporting Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) Codes

    Background on the CPT PLA subsection, its development, and the general purpose of these laboratory-related codes.

  3. CPT PLA Codes

    General characteristics of PLA codes and the types of laboratory analyses they are intended to represent.

  4. CPT Category

    How PLA codes are positioned within CPT and how they relate to other laboratory code categories and related appendix listings.

  5. Structure of CPT PLA Codes

    The form and organization of PLA code entries, including the example format shown in the article.

  6. CPT PLA Codes' Release Timeline

    The quarterly publication and effective-date schedule for PLA code release and the related timing changes described for 2019.

  7. Applying for PLA Code(s)

    The application process, required submission materials, and general review workflow for requesting PLA codes.

  8. Reviewing Submitted PLA Applications

    The roles of the review groups and the general sequence of application evaluation and recommendation.

  9. Reporting CPT PLA Codes

    General reporting considerations for PLA codes and their relationship to existing CPT laboratory coding options.

What You Will Learn

  • The purpose and scope of the CPT PLA subsection
  • How PLA codes are released and updated over time
  • What the PLA application and review process generally involves
  • How PLA codes fit within the broader CPT laboratory coding structure
  • Which organizations and advisory groups are involved in PLA code administration

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Laboratory billing staff
  • Pathology and laboratory coding professionals
  • Compliance and reimbursement teams
  • Laboratory manufacturers and test developers

Codes Discussed

Code Ranges Discussed

  • CPT: 80000 CODE SERIES

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