Current Procedural Terminology and Relative-Value Scale Update Committee
The mechanism in the United States for public and private payers to pay physicians includes the development and valuation of procedures through AMA Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Editorial Panel and the AMA Relative-Value Scale Update Committee, aka RUC. ACOG provides delegates and advisors to CPT and RUC from the Committee on Health Economics and Coding (CHEC) consistent with AMA rules and standards.
New Obstetrics Codes for January 1, 2027
ACOG has been working with the American Medical Association (AMA) to update the CPT codes to reflect the standard of care, including tailored prenatal care. Effective January 1, 2027, CPT codes for maternity care services will reflect the realities of modern care: how, when, where, and by whom those services are delivered.
This payer-focused webinar offers a comprehensive preview of the upcoming CPT code set changes for maternity care services. Presenters include AMA and ACOG leaders and a CPT Editorial Panel member. Until the confidentiality requirements on the codes are lifted, it is the resource available to learn about:
- The rationale behind revising the maternity care services CPT codes
- The new framework’s structure and approach
- Key considerations for payers to plan for future implementation
Visit the AMA’s website and register to gain access to the webinar recording.
How You Can Participate
Practicing Fellows of ACOG are randomly selected to complete RUC surveys. It is critical that ob-gyns complete these surveys in order for the payment of services to be accurately defined. Surveys are available by email only and are sent from [email protected]. For instructions on how to complete a survey, watch the video below.
For additional instructions, see the American Medical Association’s webinar, Completing RUC Online Survey in Qualtrics.
CPT Editorial Panel
ACOG’s delegate to the CPT Editorial Panel is a part of a 21-member panel that revises; updates; and modifies CPT codes, descriptors, rules, and guidelines. They review applications from specialty societies, industry, and other stakeholders and determine if the code or code change meets criteria.
Kathy Y. Jones, MD, FACOG, was selected to serve as a delegate on the CPT Editorial Panel beginning May 2024. Dr. Jones is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, female pelvic medicine, and reconstructive pelvic surgery, with additional training and experience in advanced gynecologic endoscopy. Dr. Jones is a private practice owner and has been in private practice since 2002. She previously served as the chair of the CHEC and as ACOG’s CPT alternate advisor.
CPT Advisory Committee
The members of the CPT Advisory Committee provide recommendations to code change applications for consideration by the CPT Editorial Panel. They are also responsible for educating their specialty members and may develop code change applications on behalf of the specialty organization.
ACOG’s Advisory Committee members are Judith K. Volkar, MD, FACOG, and Lisa Hofler, MD, MPH, MBA, FACOG.
RUC
The RUC is a 32-member committee charged with providing recommendations to the CMS on the resources required to provide physician services, which translate into relative value units. CMS finalizes relative value units annually in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Gregory DeMeo, DO, FACOG, is ACOG’s delegate to the RUC. Dr. DeMeo practices gynecology in Wilmington, Delaware, and has provided instruction to the ChristianaCare minimally invasive gynecology surgery fellowship. Dr. DeMeo has held numerous positions within ACOG national and District III, including serving as the current chair of District III. Dr. DeMeo also serves as the RUC vice chair for the Relativity Assessment Workgroup.
Gwenn Jackson, MD, FACOG, serves as ACOG’s alternate delegate to the RUC. ACOG’s advisers to the RUC are Jon K. Hathaway, MD, PhD, FACOG, and Eilean Attwood, MD, MPH, FACOG.