CPT® code change applications via the CPT Smart App
Process for submitting code change applications
All code change applications are to be submitted online via the CPT® Smart App. The CPT® Smart App platform transforms the application submission process from a paper-based application process to a digital set of tools and resources for proposing code changes. This platform allows easy access to the current CPT® data set and provides tools to manage your code change applications.
CPT® Smart App
Submit an online application with the CPT® Smart App.
Currently, electronic submissions using the CPT® Smart App are required for:
- Category I/III
- Category I "Short Form"
- Pathology/Laboratory (including MoPath/GSP/MAAA)
- Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA)
- Starting Dec.11 2025, all new PLA code change applications must be submitted via the CPT Smart App. Applications previously submitted and/or drafted in the PLA Platform will remain accessible until Jan.12, 2026, in which the PLA Platform will no longer be usable. This change does not affect any current or previous PLA panel actions or reviews. For more information about the transition visit FAQs page.
For Category II code changes, the paper application will continue to be the required submission format, until further notice.
How to use the CPT Smart App online system
The AMA has created a series of six instructional courses on the CPT Code Change Application Process and the CPT Smart App. These courses have videos on how to use the CPT Smart App and give examples on the types of responses that represent the information that the CPT Editorial Panel (Panel) needs to review the code change applications. The courses are:
Course 1: Pre-training and CPT course overview
Explains the new CPT Smart App online system and offers an overview of the CPT code change process.
Course 2: Basic and required entries
Describes the elements that are required to complete and submit the applications.
Course 3: Code changes
Provides instructions for rationale and process for completing code changes.
Course 4: Data collection
Describes how to complete the Data Collection screens.
Course 5: Physician services, vignette, supporting information/literature
Provides instructions for physician descriptions, patient vignettes, procedure descriptions, and the process of including supporting documentation and literature.
Course 6: Submit, re-submit and download an application and documents
Explains the processes for submitting and re-submitting a CPT code change application and downloading documents.
Reference materials for CPT Smart App applications
The documents in this section provide guidance on how to add and revise CPT codes, what type of bundling is appropriate for imaging guidance and where to find and place Pathology/Laboratory codes. To review application form questions before submitting the form, visit the CPT Smart App and create a draft without answering questions. Then download the empty draft and review the questions offline. Paper applications are not accepted; all applications must be submitted via the CPT Smart App.
- Code descriptor formatting instructions (DOCX)
- Image bundling decision tree (PDF)
- Pathology/laboratory code placement guidelines (PDF)
- PLA code descriptor guidelines and examples (PDF)
- PLA Standard Operating Procedure guidance (PDF)
Category II code change paper application
Paper applications will continue to be required for the Category II code change application. Please review the submission instructions before submitting a paper application.
Literature requirements
The literature requirements set in the following documents define the minimum requirements for CPT Editorial Panel ("Panel") consideration of the Category I/III Long Form and Pathology/Laboratory applications. These literature requirements are not required for Category I RUC "Short Form" and Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) applications.
- Category I & Category III CPT® literature requirements (DOCX)
- Pathology/Laboratory (including MoPath/GSP/MAAA) literature requirements (DOCX)
Submission requirements for panel agenda consideration
All CPT Code Change applications are reviewed and evaluated by AMA staff, the CPT/HCPAC Advisory Committee, and the CPT Editorial Panel. Strict conformance is required for review of a code change application, including:
- Submission of a complete application, with all necessary supporting documents
- Adherence to all posted deadlines
- Cooperation with requests from AMA staff and/or Editorial Panel members for clarification and information
- Compliance with CPT Statement on Lobbying
CPT staff initially receive and reviews applications for compliance with the above requirements. If necessary, CPT staff will reach out to the applicant for additional information. Applicants have three business days (two business days for PLA applications) to satisfactorily respond to CPT staff requests unless another deadline is stated. Applications that fail to meet the requirements, as specified above, will not be placed on the CPT Editorial Panel agenda for the immediate Panel meeting. Applicants are welcome to reapply for a subsequent meeting.
Start your application on the CPT Smart App
Submit an online application with the CPT Smart App.
Additional resources
- CPT Appendix S: Artificial intelligence/augmented intelligence (AI) taxonomy for medical services & procedures
- CPT Appendix A Modifier 93 (audio only medical services)
- CPT overview and code approval
- Criteria for CPT Codes
- PLA Codes (including PLA code criteria)
- Webinar: New Pathology/Laboratory Code Change Application Overview
- Webinar: CPT Smart App
Questions? Contact us
If you have questions concerning the application process, please contact us.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.