Additional proprietary laboratory analyses (PLA) codes

In the First Quarter 2017 issue of Coding Clinic for HCPCS we published information regarding a new set of Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) codes which were created to identify tests belonging to specific laboratories or manufacturers. The PLA codes describe proprietary clinical laboratory analyses that can be provided by either a single (“sole-source”) laboratory or licensed or marketed source to multiple providing laboratories that have been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These PLA codes may be reportable by the facility when the hospital uses a proprietary platform (i.e., Technology or Instrument)...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AHA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article explains the expansion of Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) CPT coding referenced in Coding Clinic for HCPCS, including when additional PLA codes were added in 2017 and the broad laboratory testing categories they represent. It is useful for coding professionals, laboratory billing staff, and hospital revenue cycle teams who need to track new PLA code availability, effective dates, and the scope of testing represented by these specialized laboratory identifiers.

Why This Topic Matters

PLA coding affects how certain proprietary and lab-specific tests are identified for reporting. Keeping track of these additions helps coding and billing teams stay aligned with current CPT laboratory code updates and effective dates.

What You Will Learn

  • How PLA codes are introduced and grouped in CPT
  • Which general laboratory testing areas were covered by the 2017 PLA additions
  • When the listed PLA codes became effective for reporting
  • How the article frames PLA codes within hospital and laboratory reporting workflows

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Hospital billing staff
  • Laboratory billing staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals
  • Compliance teams

Codes Discussed


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