Purpose
The CPT Policy on Lobbying and Proper Communications establishes standards to ensure that the CPT Editorial Panel’s work is conducted with fairness, transparency and respect. It is designed to:
- Safeguard the independence of CPT Editorial Panel members (Panel members) by protecting them from unsolicited communications before and after submission of a code change application (CCA)
- Safeguard the independence of CPT advisors and their specialty societies by preventing communications that are meant to improperly influence the evaluation of or comments on a CCA
- Ensure that communications after the submission of a CCA are managed through AMA staff to promote transparency and fairness
- Promote participation by stakeholders in the CPT process that is free from harassment, intimidation, or coercion.
This CPT Policy on Lobbying and Proper Communications (Policy) applies to all participants in the CPT process, including applicants, CPT advisors, specialty societies, interested parties (IPs), and Panel members.
Lobbying
The CPT process encourages broad collaboration and information sharing between applicants, CPT advisors, specialty societies, and IPs. Lobbying, however, refers to attempts to bypass established CPT processes by directing unsolicited communications to Panel members or CPT advisors with the intent of compromising their independent judgment or securing a particular outcome on a pending CCA. Lobbying is strictly prohibited. Application deadlines are posted on the calendar (PDF) for upcoming meetings of the CPT Editorial Panel.
Proper communications
Collaboration prior to submission of a CCA
- Applicants and other stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate before submitting a CCA.
- Specialty societies, in particular, should work with applicants preparing a CCA to ensure submissions are complete, in alignment with CPT guidelines, and reflective of current medical practice.
Communication after submission of a CCA
- Once a CCA is submitted, all communications, such as discussions and emails between parties (e.g., applicants, CPT advisors, specialty societies, IPs, and Panel members), must include AMA CPT staff. This ensures consistent messaging, transparency, and fairness across the process.
- Co-applicants or presenters on a CCA can communicate without AMA CPT staff involvement.
- AMA staff will coordinate inquiries and communications, in accordance with the Panel’s current rules and procedures and in compliance with this Policy.
Official comment channels
- CPT Advisors: Submit comments via the CPT collaboration website and/or make comments either virtually or in-person at a CPT Editorial Panel meeting.
- Interested Parties (IPs): Submit comments through the IP portal, accessible via the public agenda website and/or make comments either virtually or in-person at a CPT Editorial Panel meeting.
Participation through these official channels does not constitute lobbying.
Respectful conduct
All participants in the process must conduct themselves professionally in accordance with the AMA’s Code of Conduct for AMA Meetings and Events and Conflicts of Interest Policies. Any communication that could reasonably be interpreted as harassment, intimidation, or coercion is strictly prohibited.
Complaints and violations
- If you have concerns regarding potential violations of this Policy, please notify the AMA director of CPT Coding and Regulatory Services.
- Violations of this Policy may result in sanctions, including suspension or removal from participation in the CPT process.
