Who is primarily responsible for updating the codes in the CPT coding manual?

Asked by: Mr. Murl Langworth I  |  Last update: December 9, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

The responsibility to update or modify code descriptors, coding rules, and guidelines for the CPT code set lies with the AMA CPT Editorial Panel, authorized by the AMA Board of Trustees.

Who is responsible for updating CPT codes?

The CPT® Editorial Panel is responsible for maintaining the CPT code set. The Panel is authorized by the AMA Board of Trustees to revise, update, or modify CPT codes, descriptors, rules and guidelines. The Panel is composed of 21 members.

Which organization is responsible for updates of the CPT manual?

The AMA is responsible for all decisions for additions, deletions, or revisions of the CPT codes [Level I HCPCS code set]. CPT codes are updated annually.

Who is legally responsible for assigning the correct CPT code?

Debunking the myth

While physicians and other qualified health care professionals are responsible for ensuring the use of the correct diagnosis and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes, other appropriate individuals may physically enter or change the code when authorized.

Who owns the CPT coding manual?

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

How to Use the 2021 CPT Manual for Medical Coding - Current Procedural Terminology Book Instructions

28 related questions found

Who updates CPT codes?

Who assigns CPT codes? The responsibility to update or modify code descriptors, coding rules, and guidelines for the CPT code set lies with the AMA CPT Editorial Panel, authorized by the AMA Board of Trustees.

What organization maintains the CPT manual?

HCPCS is divided into 2 main subsystems — Level I and Level II. HCPCS Level I: Comprised of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®), a numeric coding system maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Who is responsible for creating and maintaining the CPT code set?

The CPT® Editorial Panel, appointed by the AMA Board of Trustees, is responsible for maintaining and updating the CPT code set. The CPT Editorial Panel is an independent group of expert volunteers representing various sectors of the health care industry.

Who is legally responsible for ensuring coding accuracy?

The rendering provider is ultimately responsible for selecting the CPT code. While coders may assist, the provider must ensure the accuracy of the claims submitted.

Can billers change CPT codes?

Only physicians or other qualified health care professionals can enter or change the diagnosis and/or Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code(s) associated with an encounter, procedure, or service.

Which professional association is responsible for the annual update of the CPT coding system and its two digit modifiers?

These health care professionals use CPT® to identify services and procedures for which they bill public or private health insurance programs. CPT® codes are republished and updated annually by the AMA.

What agency maintains CPT?

HCPCS Level I codes are part of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set maintained by the CPT® Editorial Panel and copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA). HCPCS Level II codes are established and maintained by CMS.

Who is responsible for updating the HCPCS manual?

hcpcs level I includes the five digit CPT codes developed & published by the american medical association(AMA), which is responsible for the annual update of this coding system and its two-digit modifiers.

Who is responsible for updating ICD codes?

CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is responsible for the clinical modification of ICD-10 for use in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO), which owns and publishes ICD-10, authorized NCHS to develop ICD-10-CM.

What is the AMA responsible for publishing?

As publisher of Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of International Marketing, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, and Journal of Interactive Marketing, the AMA expects authors to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in research and the communication of research results and findings.

Who approves the CPT?

- A student's designated school official (DSO) authorizes CPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). A DSO may not backdate the authorization and accordingly, SEVIS will not allow backdating. - Students must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized.

Who updates the official guidelines for coding and reporting?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), two departments within the U.S. Federal Government's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provide the following guidelines for coding and reporting using the International Classification of Diseases, ...

Who is liable for coding mistakes?

The provider is responsible for their billing and coding however, there is also responsibility on coders, billing and coding companies, etc. It depends on the extent and what it is.

Who is ultimately responsible for proper documentation and correct coding?

Final answer:

The Physician is ultimately responsible for proper documentation and correct coding in the medical practice.

Who can change a diagnosis code?

Each diagnosis code should be linked to the service (CPT) code to which it relates; this helps to establish medical necessity. Any changes to codes or to the order in which they are listed on the claim should be approved by the physician.

Who determines the cost of CPT codes?

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) uses a resource-based relative value system (RBRVS) that assigns a relative value to current procedural terminology (CPT) codes that are developed and copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA) with input from representatives of health care professional associations ...

Who develops and maintains the ICD codes?

Two agencies make up the committee to maintain the ICD-10 code sets: CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) maintains and updates ICD-10-CM. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains and updates ICD-10-PCS.

Who updates the CPT manual?

To accommodate the evolving world of healthcare — including the availability of new services and the retirement of outdated procedures, among other considerations — the AMA updates the CPT® code set annually, releasing new, revised, and deleted codes, as well as changes to CPT® coding guidelines.

Who owns and maintains the CPT code set?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set, created and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA), is the language of medicine today and the code to its future.

Who handles CPT codes?

The AMA develops and manages CPT codes on a rigorous and transparent process led by the CPT® Editorial Panel, which ensures codes are issued and updated regularly to reflect current clinical practice and innovation in medicine.