Editorial Panel
What is the Editorial Panel?
Within the Medtech field, the Editorial Panel, as part of the American Medical Association (AMA), is responsible for ensuring that current procedural terminology (CPT) codes reflect the latest medical care available for patients. They are responsible for revising, updating, or modifying CPT codes, rules, guidelines, and descriptors.
The Panel is composed of 21 members and represents all medical professionals. It is comprised of the following:
- 12 members appointed by the national medical specialty societies
- Panel chair
- Vice-chair
- Two seats for members of the CPT Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee
- A representative from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
- A representative from the America’s Health Insurance Plans
- A representative from the American Hospital Association
- An at-large organizational member
- A representative from an umbrella organization representing private healthcare insurers
All members of the Editorial Panel are selected by the AMA Board of Trustees. The AMA Board directly chooses the Panel chair and vice-chair, while the other representatives are nominated by their respective organizations, societies, and associations, and they are then approved by the AMA Board.
Why is the Editorial Panel Important?
The Editorial Panel meets three times a year to review CPT code changes or additional applications. These changes and additions are crucial for keeping the CPT coding system updated as the medical landscape continually changes.
With CPT codes used in communication between patients and their healthcare team, accurate CPT codes ensure that all information is accurately conveyed when reporting medical procedures and services for healthcare claims, conducting research, and developing medical guidelines.