#CPT® Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get answers to my CPT coding questions

You can submit your CPT coding questions to AMA's new online CPT Network service at www.cptnetwork.com. This new on-line service features an option to search a database of frequently asked questions about CPT coding and clinical vignettes of procedures. It also includes a standardized form for submitting on-line inquiries on issues not contained in the Knowledge Base. The new on-line service is offered as a benefit to AMA members and subscribers.

Where can I find back issues for CPT Assistant?

The royalty for the use for CPT material in an electronic or Internet product is $15.00 per user per product. Depending on the terms of the License Agreement, royalties are due either quarterly or semi-annually in arrears. Print publication royalty is $15.00 per distributed copy. No minimums or upfront fees are required. You will, however, need to purchase the CPT data file separately.

What are the other license terms?

Reprinting of CPT alone is not permitted. The licensed product must contain code level value-added information. Altering CPT is not permitted.

Reports and payments are made semi-annually.

Distribution may be in print, electronic media, or over the Internet. Internet distribution requires use of certain security features. International rights are available.

End User definition

CPT data files are licensed on an individual (as opposed to concurrent ) user basis.

We consider an individual a CPT user if he or she directly accesses CPT data in a product or, in the case where CPT is embedded in a product and not directly accessible, relies on embedded CPT data to perform his or her intended function with the product or its output. Anyone who can't do a part of their job if AMA data disappears from a system or process is a user.

I just want to incorporate CPT material into my information management system. What kind of license do I need?

You need an end user or "internal use" license. An internal use license gives permission when CPT will only be used within a company and will not be redistributed.

The royalty fee for an internal use license is $80 per legal entity plus $15.00 per user. The CPT data file is included in the license fee.

Licenses for internal use by fewer than 11 users can be obtained through purchase of electronic CPT through AMA Store. or by calling (800) 621-8335.

Visit the AMA CPT Data Files Page for immediate download of files licensed for up to 25 users.

My product will only use a few CPT codes. Do I need a license?

You should evaluate whether your proposed use of CPT falls within "fair use".

The U.S. Copyright Law, under Chapter One, Section 107, exempts certain limited use of copyrighted works, referred to a "fair use" and such uses are permissible without a license.

The law requires that you make a good faith determination based on the balance of four statutory factors. These factors are subject to interpretation and careful analysis is required. Consulting your legal advisor is a good idea. For more information on fair use and the copyright law, see the U.S. Copyright Office Web site.

What is the correct format for the copyright notice?

When incorporating CPT content into other works, please place the following notices prior to initial display of CPT content:

"CPT copyright 2014 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association."

(Please note that the use or reprinting of CPT content in any product or publication requires a license. For more information about the licenses available, see CPT License Information .)

Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

I need more information. Who can I contact?