How were the new CPT codes developed?
The Medicare resource-based relative value scale for physician services was implemented on January 1, 1992. By law, HCFA is required to review all work relative value units (RVUs) for physician services in the Medicare Fee Schedule every five years. HCFA initiated such a review in 1994. To develop appropriate chiropractic comment on the A2000 HCPCS, two steps were necessary: • The first step was to obtain chiropractic representation on the two American Medical Association (AMA) committees responsible for making coding change recommendations to HCFA: the CPT and RUC Committees. The CPT Editorial Panel and RUC Committees were comprised of MDs and DOS only, with the exception of the chairperson of the CPT HCPAC and RUC HCPAC who have recently been seated with the panels to represent non MD/ DOS with a voting seat. Approximately three years ago, the AMA formed advisory committees (Health Care Professionals Advisory Committees or HCPAC) to both CPT and RUC. The members of these HCPAC commit
