Applying for CPT Codes and Obtaining RVUs for CPT Codes

How to Apply for a CPT Code

There are specific procedures in place both at the Academy and within the AMA to evaluate recommendations to changes in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set. The Academy has a dedicated CPT & Relative Value Committee to address these issues, experienced physician representation to the CPT Editorial Panel and the RVS Updating Committee (RUC) through the Physician Payment Policy Workgroup (aka “3P”), and a dedicated staff member to interact with the stakeholders in the CPT development process. Learn more

How to Obtain Relative Value Units for CPT codes

Immediately following the Editorial Panel’s acceptance of the new code proposal, the RUC process begins.  All RUC Advisors have an opportunity to indicate a “level of interest” in developing relative value recommendations for the new code. All societies have 3 options:

1. Survey their members to obtain data on the amount of work involved in the services and develop recommendations
2. Comment in writing on recommendations developed by other societies
3. In the case of editorially changed/ revised codes, they could decide that the coding change does not require action because it does not significantly alter the nature of the service or the previously assigned relative value, or; take no action because the codes are not used by physicians in their specialty. Learn more