Task
Both for regular CPT codes and for PLA codes, AMA applications require a brief description of the procedure. If yours is too long, they will edit it down to a couple of sentences.
AI Help
Here, I randomly picked a company's molecular device instructions for use - a Cepheid GeneXpert model. (This was NOT the device or client I was working on.) I uploaded the 44-page PDF to Chat GPT and asked for a mini summary of the technology for the AMA purpose. Here's what it came up with.
The Xpert® Xpress MVP test is an automated, qualitative, real-time PCR assay performed on the GeneXpert® system for detecting DNA targets from organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis, Candida infections, and Trichomonas vaginalis. The self-contained cartridge integrates specimen preparation, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection, providing results in approximately one hour. [45 words]
OK, I think either you, or the AMA staff, will delete any branded names. But as-is, this output gets has taken you from the 44-page booklet to a starting point, and in a couple seconds. You can edit from there, or ask it for a re-write:
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Make it 50% longer, adding the next-most-important features or steps.
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The Xpert® Xpress MVP test is an automated qualitative real-time PCR assay performed on the GeneXpert® instrument system for detection of DNA from organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis, Candida species, and Trichomonas vaginalis. The single-use cartridge automates specimen preparation, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and fluorescent probe detection while incorporating internal controls for sample processing and probe integrity. Using clinician- or self-collected vaginal swabs, the system provides tabular and graphical results in about 60 minutes with minimal hands-on time. [75 words]
Another approach would be to subscribe to AMA's RBRVS database (here) and pull five or ten descriptions of similar AMA CPT device procedures from it. Feed that to Chat GPT as "examples" of what you want. Then, proceed (by uploading the 40 page PDF) as above.
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Prompt used.
I am assisting a client writing a CPT application for this test (device). A brief description of the technology is required, so that diverse readers of the AMA CPT application can share a general idea of the technology in question. About 3 sentences is usually enough. I am guessing 50 words (but don't use more than needed if 30 work.)
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In the actual CPT application this fall, there were also a couple places where I hand-wrote a paragraph in response to an AMA question, then gave my writing cut-paste to Chat GPT and asked it to make it clearer and 20% shorter.
Each time, the paragraph came back...clearer and 20% shorter.