Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) Codes are an addition to the CPT® code set approved by the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel. They are alpha-numeric CPT codes with a corresponding descriptor for labs or manufacturers that want to more specifically identify their test. Tests with PLA codes must be performed on human specimens and must be requested by the clinical laboratory or the manufacturer that offers the test.

The deadline for PLA applications is March 11, 2025.

The CPT® Editorial Panel will discuss PLA applications at the May CPT® Editorial Panel meeting. The PLA agenda will be posted on April 15, 2025.  

The May CPT® Editorial Panel meeting will take place May 1-3, 2025, and will offer both an in-person meeting in New York City and a virtual option. Registration is mandatory whether attending in person or virtually. Learn more. 

For questions or further information contact Thilani Attale at thilani.attale@ama-assn.org.

Visit the COVID-19 coding and guidance page for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)-related testing codes.

The PLA Code section includes (but is not limited to) Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Tests (ADLTs) and Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests (CDLTs) as defined under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA). These analyses may include a range of medical laboratory tests including, but not limited to, Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses (MAAA) and Genomic Sequencing Procedures (GSP). The descriptor nomenclature follows, where possible, existing code conventions (e.g. MAAA, GSP).

To submit an application please log into the PLA Portal. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly review cycle and codes submissions are accepted all year. Please check the CPT PLA calendar for cycle close dates.

Are you new to the PLA process? Please review the PLA tutorial (PDF). 

Please note the revised PLA application submission deadlines. Contact Thilani Attale at thilani.attale@ama-assn.org if you have any questions regarding this change.

PLA test codes will be released and posted online on a quarterly basis (fall, winter, spring and summer) in data files. New codes are effective the quarter following their publication. These codes will also be included in the annual update of the CPT codebook beginning in 2018.
Review the application submission calendar for additional information on:

• Application submission deadlines for quarterly review cycle
• Dates for application review by the PLA Technical Advisory Group (PLA-TAG)
• Dates for the CPT® Editorial Panel consideration of applications
• Publication dates for the approved codes
• Effective dates for the new codes

For additional information on the application and review process, visit the FAQ section.

On June 23, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Medicare clinical diagnostic laboratory tests payment system final rule page. This Final Rule implements PAMA provisions pertaining to pricing and coding for clinical laboratory tests covered on the Medicare Clinical Lab Fee Schedule (CLFS), as well as reporting requirements for clinical laboratories performing these tests.

View the CPT PLA Codes with full descriptions, CPT PLA Code Medium Descriptors, and the CPT PLA Code Short Descriptors that were approved by the CPT Editorial Panel.

CPT Proprietary Laboratory Analyses Codes Short Descriptors (PDF, updated Dec. 30, 2024)

CPT Proprietary Laboratory Analyses Codes Medium Descriptors (PDF, updated Dec. 30, 2024)

CPT Proprietary Laboratory Analyses Codes Long Descriptors (PDF, updated Dec. 30, 2024)