General questions
Why is the AMA changing the PLA code change application process from the PLA Platform to the CPT® Smart App?
The American Medical Association (AMA) is consolidating the PLA code change application process to a single streamlined application process via the CPT Smart App to improve efficiency, consistency, and support for all CPT code change applications, as well as increased transparency and engagement for PLA Interested Parties.
What is the CPT Smart App?
All code change applications are to be submitted online via the CPT Smart App. The CPT Smart App platform transforms the code change application submission process from a paper-based application process to a digital set of tools and resources for proposing CPT code changes. This platform allows easy access to the current CPT data set and provides tools to manage your code change applications.
Currently, electronic submissions using the CPT Smart App are required for:
Category I/III
- Category I “Short Form”
- Pathology/Laboratory (including MoPath/GSP/MAAA
- Starting Dec. 11, 2025, PLA code change application
For Category II code changes, the paper application will continue to be the required submission format, until further notice.
What’s changing?
Dec. 11, 2025:
- The PLA Platform will no longer accept new PLA code change application submissions. Applicants must submit any new PLA code change applications via the CPT Smart App from that date forward.
- Any previously drafted or already submitted applications will remain accessible for reference or download until Jan. 12, 2026.
- Applications submitted for the current PLA review cycle (via the PLA Platform) will not be affected and can be reviewed (or withdrawn, if necessary).
Jan. 13, 2026:
- Any traffic to the PLA Platform will be redirected to CPT Smart App, and the PLA Platform will no longer be accessible.
- Any previously drafted or already submitted applications in the PLA Platform will no longer be accessible.
- The AMA will retain all PLA code change applications that have been reviewed by the CPT Editorial Panel in previous cycles (accepted, rejected, postponed), and PLA code change applications created in the PLA Platform in 2025 (including drafts or submissions).
What’s not changing?
- Core PLA code change application questions, functions, and outcomes remain the same
- AMA single sign-on login and credentials
- If new to the CPT Smart App, you will need to create a new CPT Smart App profile (i.e., previous PLA Platform profile will not be carried over)
- PLA code change application review process
What are the main differences between the PLA Platform and CPT Smart App?
The transition to the CPT Smart App provides numerous benefits, including (but not limited to):
- Consolidated platform for all CPT code change applications.
- Detailed instructions, requirements, examples, and support materials.
- Robust code construction and rationale functionalities.
- Interested Party (IP) Platform, allowing IPs to request and comment on meeting materials.
- Improved communications on important dates and deadlines.
Will applicants currently using PLA Platform need to reapply in CPT Smart App?
Yes, any PLA code change applications that are not submitted by Dec. 11, 2025, will need to be recreated in the CPT Smart App.
Is CPT Smart App mandatory, or can I continue using PLA Code Change Application for now?
The PLA Platform shall continue to be the (only) method of PLA code change application submissions until Dec. 11, 2025, at which point the CPT Smart App will then become the new, mandatory pathway for submissions.
Application process
Will my login credentials for PLA Platform work in the CPT Smart App, or do I need to create a new account?
- Applicants can continue to use the same AMA single sign on (SSO) login, including user name and password.
- When logging into the CPT Smart App for the first time, applicants will be required to sign an End-User License Agreement and create a CPT Smart App profile.
Can I transfer an application already started in PLA Platform into CPT Smart App?
No, any applications created in the PLA Platform cannot be transferred or used in the CPT Smart App.
What happens if I applied for a PLA code change application before the transition?
Applications submitted (via the PLA Platform) by Dec. 9, 2025, submission deadline, for the applicable PLA review cycle, will not be affected. They will remain accessible and will be reviewed by AMA/CPT staff and the Panel as appropriate. They can also be withdrawn, if necessary.
Will the process steps (forms, documentation, approvals) change under the CPT Smart App?
- The overall PLA code change application submission and review process will remain the same. To improve clarity, many PLA code change application questions have been reworded and include detailed instructions and examples. Additionally, several application questions have been consolidated or removed.
- Like the existing PLA Platform experience, the CPT Smart App will restrict applicants from submitting applications that are incomplete and/or do not meet certain PLA code change application requirements (e.g., codes that contain physician work will not be accepted).
Technical & access questions
How do I access CPT Smart App?
Visit the Smart App platform, or copy/paste the URL into your browser: https://cptsmartapp.ama-assn.org.
What browsers/devices are not supported for CPT Smart App?
For the best experience, use Chrome to access the CPT Smart App. Internet Explorer is no longer supported and may cause issues. The CPT Smart App is not optimized for tablets or mobile devices.
What should I do if I encounter technical issues while applying in CPT Smart App?
- Please contact [email protected] for technical assistance or questions regarding the application process.
For login related issues, such as resetting usernames or passwords, please call the AMA Unified Service Center at 800-262-3211 from 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Central (Monday-Friday) or email [email protected] for assistance.
Is there training or a user guide available for CPT Smart App?
Yes, there are a variety of training materials available regarding the CPT Smart App and the code application process. Videos and instructional guides can be found on the Smart App webpage.
Additionally, once logged into the CPT Smart App, informational videos display on most of the CPT Smart App pages and application questions. These are available to further guide you throughout the application submission process. Look for the “Need help? Click here” prompts on the top-right of a given CPT Smart App page.
The “How Does it Work” button on the CPT Smart App dashboards provide additional guidance and clarifications, as well as answers to Smart App FAQs (PDF).
For instructions and materials on the Interested Party Process that is available on the CPT Smart App, visit the web page.
Data & security
What happens to my data and documents stored in PLA Platform?
- Starting Dec.11, 2025, any previously drafted or submitted applications will remain accessible for reference or download. Applications submitted for the current PLA review cycle (via the PLA Platform) will not be affected and can be reviewed (or withdrawn, if necessary).
- On Jan. 13, 2026, any previously drafted or submitted applications in the PLA Platform will no longer be accessible.
- Applications submitted for the current PLA review cycle (via the PLA Platform) will not be affected and can be reviewed (or withdrawn, if necessary). The AMA will retain all PLA code applications that have been reviewed by the Panel in previous cycles (accepted, rejected, postponed), and PLA code applications created in the PLA Platform in 2025 (including drafts or submissions).
Is my information secure in CPT Smart App?
- The CPT Smart App (including the Interested Party Portal) is only accessible through the AMA’s secure single-sign on process.
- Any drafts are only available to the applicants and preparers that are a part of a given application. No outside parties, including AMA’s CPT staff, can view or edit draft applications.
- Once an application is submitted, it will be available for review by AMA/CPT staff and, when applicable, the PLA Technical Advisory Group (TAG), CPT/HCPAC Advisory Committee, and the CPT Editorial Panel.
Once available, Interested Parties recognized by the AMA will receive access to the PLA code change application excluding CPT Smart App profile information about the applicant(s)/preparer(s) and all applicant acknowledgements and agreements (e.g., Conflict of Interest). All information provided elsewhere in the code change application will be available to the Interested Party (e.g., if the applicant/organization name is noted in the rationale, it will be available to the Interested Party).
- For PLA code change applications, supplemental documentation will be excluded from the information provided to Interested Parties (e.g., SOP, CLIA Certificate, positive and negative reports, etc.).
- Applicant(s)/preparer(s) will be notified of the identity of any Interested Party recognized by the AMA with respect to this application.
- Materials on the Interested Party process
All of this information follows the same processes as existing application submissions and reviews in the PLA Platform.
Support & resources
Who can I contact for help with CPT Smart App?
Please contact [email protected] for technical assistance or questions regarding the application process.
For login related issues, such as resetting usernames or passwords, please call the AMA Unified Service Center at 800-262-3211 from 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Central (Monday-Friday) or email [email protected] for assistance.
Are there resources for the new process?
Yes, download the presentation (PDF) on how to use the CPT Smart App when submitting a PLA code application.
Where can I find updates about the application transition?
Updates and communications will be provided, when available, through:
- CPT PLA codes web page
- CPT code change applications web page
- PLA Platform home page “Announcements” area
- CPT Smart App home page “Announcements” area
- PLA code applicants with previous or current PLA code applications will receive email notifications throughout the transition process.
