AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2017 Quarter 1
New Proprietary Laboratory Analyses codes
A new set of CPT codes (Proprietary Laboratory Analyses codes (PLA) have been created to identify tests belonging to specific laboratories or manufacturers. The new PLA codes are alpha-numeric CPT® codes with a corresponding code descriptor and will be utilized to facilitate accurate reporting of laboratory tests. These PLA codes describe proprietary clinical laboratory analyses and can be either provided by a single (“sole-source”) laboratory or licensed or marketed to multiple providing laboratories (eg, cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the PLA codes became effective for reporting on February 1...
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Article Overview
This article explains the introduction of CPT Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) codes for reporting certain laboratory tests tied to specific laboratories or manufacturers. It covers when the codes became effective, where they fit within the CPT codebook, how quarterly releases are handled, and the relationship between PLA codes and other laboratory reporting categories. The article is relevant to coders, laboratory billing staff, and compliance professionals who need to understand the scope and placement of PLA reporting guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
PLA codes affect how certain proprietary laboratory tests are reported and how they are organized within CPT. Understanding the article helps coding and billing teams recognize the new category, its implementation timeline, and its interaction with other laboratory coding options.
Article Sections
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Introduction to PLA codes
Introduces the new CPT laboratory analysis category and describes its purpose within laboratory test reporting. It also explains the general types of tests and laboratories associated with the category.
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Reporting CPT codes for PLA tests
Summarizes how PLA reporting relates to other CPT laboratory reporting options and notes the placement of these codes within the CPT codebook and release cycle.
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PLA code listing
Presents example PLA code entries with associated proprietary names, laboratory or manufacturer information, and effective dates.
What You Will Learn
- What CPT Proprietary Laboratory Analyses codes are intended to identify
- How PLA codes are positioned within the CPT codebook and release process
- How PLA reporting is discussed in relation to other laboratory code categories
- What general types of laboratory analyses are included in the PLA category
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Laboratory billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Revenue cycle staff
- Pathology and laboratory practices
Codes Discussed
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