Header: AMA has posted the complete agenda for the February 5-7, 2026, AMA CPT editorial meeting in Palm Springs.
Note that pathology/laboratory codes were posted on an earlier comment timeline, which is now closed. (You can still get the info, but it won't get to the subcommitees). For other topics, the deadline for comments is January 6. You have to apply for AMA permission to comment at least a few days ahead of that. See more at the first page of the agenda pdf;
https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/cpt-panel-february-2026-agenda.pdf
CPT AI POLICY ON DISPLAY: "APPENDIX S" (tab 68)
AMA is working on making changes to its AI policies all across the CPT. One feature is updates to the "Appendix S" about AI.
By December 19, AMA had already posted "option A" and "option B." Appendix S is Agenda Item 68 on page 11 of the agenda PDF.
Finding Parts of Tab 68. In the CPT app that you use to become a commenter, note that there are four columns in the app for the row "Tab 68," Appendix S. The first column symbol givs you a word document that explains the committee's rationale for Appendix S revisions. The second column has a symbol you tap to submit a structured box-by-box comment portal. The fourth column is an extra document which is Ballots A and B. This are a first version and modestly edited second version of the new heavily edited Appendix S.
ROLE OF APPENDIX S
I mentioned that Item 68 givs you a word document that explains the commitee's rationale. This is the standard CPT code change document with many questions. It provides interesting insights into how many uses Appendix S gests when one is filling out, or reviewing, a CPT application.
In the agenda for Feb 5-6, I see references to AI about 11times (informal count).
In the CPT application template (I used the Appendix S version), I see references to AI or to Appendix S twiee - at III.2 and V (AI Specific section).
While Appendix S says AMA does not define AI, Code Change Section V identifies software as AI, software is identified and classified AI "if software has performed more than data processing." (!) Data processing is then defined in a parenthetical: "(data processing includes helping to aggreggate, organize/arrange, transmit, develop, or otherwise visually enhance the data.)"
FINAL WORD ON APPENDIX S
It's hard to evaluate Appendix S without knowing its purpose. Yes, in part it defines "assistive, augmentive, autonomous" AI (except it doesn't define AI!). But why? And later, autonomous AI is broken into three parts. There's not the faintest clue why, so it's hard to know if that table is fit for purpose or not, having no purpose.
I would prefer they include a page about why they have Appendix S, how Appendix S is "used" in practice at CPT, and maybe 10 problems with the current system, 10 points where Appendix S addresses a problem, and how Appendix S fixes the problem. This kind of structured end-oriented thinking is wholly absent from Appendix S and its change documents.
AI CODES
While there are nearly a dozen AI codes, nearly all in Category III, one is "AI algorithm generated synthetic nerve potentials" 0278T, which the applicant hopes to elevate to Category I ("97XX5.") Note that this is the applicants hope; the CPT may or may not buy the upgrade.
LAB TESTS
Of particular interest, the PLA committee has been declining to take AI-augmented lab tests, at lesat in digital pathology. In Tab 44, an applicant asks for 2 codes for "algorithmic image analysis on cancer tissue," I think on H&E sections. They asks for two codes - I'm guessing, perhaps one could be starting with a slide to image, and one could be starting with a DICOM. Proposals for X548T X549T.
Also with a nod to the PLA committee, which seems to now exclude WSI on IHC because IHC often includes physician work, there is an applicant for Synucleinopathy detection on immunofluorescent slides. Tab 46 for X547T. Stained skin slides predict Parkinson's disease presence or absence.
The above are of interest because there have been very, very few Cat III codes for lab tests up until now. Apparently Cat III is accepting refugees from PLA.
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MECHANICS & DATES
Note that if you comment, you are sent to a "CPT Smart App Portal" where you have to enter the part of the portal for "Interested Party" in a top-of-page field.
