FAQs: CPT® PLA

Note: Beginning Dec. 11, 2025, the PLA code change application platform will transition to the CPT Smart App. Visit the PLA transition FAQs page to learn more.

What is a PLA code?

Proprietary laboratory analyses (PLA) codes are alpha-numeric CPT® codes with a corresponding descriptor, for labs or manufacturers to more specifically identify their test. PLA codes can be provided either by a single (“sole-source” including the same or different locations, owned and operated by the same entity) laboratory or licensed or marketed to multiple providing laboratories (e.g., cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]). Tests with PLA codes must be performed on human specimens, do not have a physician work component, and must be requested by the clinical laboratory or manufacturer that offers the test.

Is a PLA code a CPT Category I code?

PLA codes are contained in a non-Category I subsection of the Pathology/Laboratory CPT codes. When a specific PLA code is not listed, the test must be reported using either a CPT Category I laboratory code or an Administrative MAAA code, the later separately listed in Appendix O.

What are the requirements to submit a PLA code change for a new or revised code?

PLA codes are not required to fulfill Category I CPT code criteria. Tests that have a physician work component do not meet eligibility for a PLA code. Applications that are incomplete or contain significant errors after the submission deadline are subject to rejection or termination during review. For an application to be considered complete, the test’s Standard Operating Procedure(s) must be submitted and must describe all aspects of the test.

The standards for inclusion in the PLA section are:

• The test must be commercially available in the United States for use on human specimens by the time the application is submitted.
• The CLIA-certified or accredited clinical laboratory performing the PLA test or the manufacturer offering an FDA-approved, cleared, or classified in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test must request the code.

In addition, per the CPT guidelines for PLA codes, applications must satisfy all applicable criteria for inclusion in the PLA code set, which include:

• All aspects of the analysis must be performed by a single (“sole-source,” including the same or different locations, owned and operated by the same entity) laboratory or licensed or marketed to multiple providing laboratories (e.g., cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]).
• Algorithm-only analyses of existing test results, without accompanying biomarker analysis, do not meet eligibility criteria for a PLA code.

What does a CPT PLA code and description look like?

View the CPT PLA Codes with full descriptions, CPT PLA Code Medium Descriptors, and the CPT PLA Code Short Descriptors that were approved by the CPT Editorial Panel for examples of what a PLA code and description look like.

Why are they alpha-numeric codes?

PLA codes, which include many types of tests, have been assigned an alphanumeric structure to expand the code number capacity in the CPT code set and to distinguish these codes from other CPT codes.

How do I apply for a PLA code?

All code change applications are to be submitted online via the CPT® Smart App. You will be required to enter the names of any co-applicants, in addition to the requested pertinent test information.

Can I work with others on my PLA code application?

Prior to submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to work with other industry representatives, relevant specialties whose members would logically order the test or AMA staff for any questions concerning the PLA code section or the CPT code set. Applicants who wish to contact the specialty societies prior to submitting an application should contact the departments of coding and reimbursement for the national specialty societies listed in the front matter of the CPT code book. Similarly, those who wish to contact the organizations representing qualified non-physician health care professionals that belong to the CPT Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee (HCPAC) should contact the departments of coding and reimbursement for these organizations that are listed in the front matter of the CPT code book.

Is my application complete?

After submitting the form, AMA/CPT staff will review the application to determine whether it addresses a new issue or presents significant new information about an item that the Panel reviewed previously. Staff will also look at responses to each question to verify that the information is complete. If this is not the case, the application will be returned to the applicant to be completed within two business days.

Who will review my application?

On receipt of the completed application, the application is published to the secure CPT website for review by the Proprietary Laboratory Analyses Technical Advisory Group (PLA-TAG). The PLA-TAG is composed of select representatives of the CPT Editorial Panel, the Pathology Coding Caucus, and the Molecular Pathology Advisory Group and payer organization(s). The remaining ad hoc members are composed of representatives from commercial labs, proprietary labs, academic labs, registries, payers and private practice. The PLA-TAG is an advisory body to the CPT Editorial Panel. Following their review of your application, the PLA-TAG will recommend action by the CPT Editorial Panel. You will receive notice of this recommendation.

What are the possible outcomes of the panel consideration of PLA code change applications?

You will receive an email notice from AMA shortly after the conclusion of the PLA-TAG meeting to notify you of any recommendations or alternate terminology for consideration by the panel. The Editorial Panel can:

• Accept your code request as written
• Accept your request with modification (e.g., altered descriptor terminology)
• Reject or postpone your request for a new or revised code

In addition, you will be notified if there are any further actions related to terminology or code status as a result of the panel's consideration of your request.

If accepted, the wording of the code descriptor is included in the notice of acceptance. However, you may not release this information to any other parties until publication of the panel's decision to the CPT website.

If your PLA code application is rejected or you believe incorrect terminology has been approved, you are offered the option to submit a request for reconsideration within 10 days of receipt of the notice.

If the panel deems that additional information or evaluation is warranted, consideration of your application may be postponed until time certain (a specific future CPT meeting) or time uncertain.

If your application is postponed, you will receive an email notice from AMA staff 2 weeks after the conclusion of the meeting, with specific instructions for the required information for resubmission of your application.

What are my options after the PLA-TAG's decision?

Possible actions that you can take are to:

• Agree with the panel recommendation
• Request panel consideration of your original option (in cases where the PLA-TAG has constructed an alternate nomenclature recommendation). The CPT Editorial Panel will make the final determination on your request.
• Withdraw your application

May I withdraw my application?

Yes, you may withdraw your application up until the agenda item is called at the respective panel meeting. Once the application is being discussed at the respective panel meeting, it can no longer be withdrawn.

When can I start reporting the new PLA code?

The codes in this new section will be issued on a quarterly basis (and effective the following quarter to allow payers time to load them into their systems). The date that you submit your application is included within a period for a particular agenda. All applications submitted prior to the deadline for application submission will be considered by the panel on the date defined in the calendar. The applicable posting and effective dates are applied to each submission period. Following the publication and effective date linked with the submission deadline and panel meeting date, you may begin using the new code to report your test.

If I get a PLA code, can I also report an existing CPT Category I code?

No. When a PLA code is available to report a given proprietary laboratory service, that PLA code takes precedence. The service should not be reported with any other CPT code(s) and other CPT code(s) should not be used to report services that may be reported with that specific PLA code.