Trump Admin Putting Major Medical Association's Billing Code 'Monopoly' Under The Microscope

The Trump administration is scrutinizing the American Medical Association over concerns that its control of medical billing codes can limit competition and affect healthcare costs. The American Medical Association develops the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, described by the AMA as a uniform system for documenting medical procedures and services. On July 16, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule that requests public comments on “the influence of the CPT coding system and AMA process” on physician payment policy. CMS cites longstanding concerns about federal reliance on a private organization with a potential conflict of interest. The proposed rule also questions whether reliance on CPT and the RVS Update Committee contributes to a healthcare model focused more on treatment than prevention. The AMA did not respond to a request for comment. Republican Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee argued the process should face transparency and competition.