Who maintains and updates the CPT codes?

The American Medical Association (AMA) is responsible for maintaining and updating the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The AMA develops, publishes, and manages the CPT code set, which is essential for reporting medical services and procedures in a standardized manner. This oversight ensures that the codes reflect the most current medical practices and technologies, allowing healthcare providers to accurately document services for billing and administrative purposes.

The AMA engages with medical professionals, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders to gather input on changes needed in the coding system. Additionally, the organization conducts research and analysis to keep the codes relevant and effective. The rigorous process of reviewing and revising codes annually is vital for aligning with advances in healthcare.

Other organizations listed, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health, have distinct roles in public health, disease control, and research, but they do not manage the CPT code set. Their focus is on different aspects of health and medical research rather than the specific coding used for documenting and billing medical procedures.