@drelisabethpotter: The AMA doesn’t just own the CPT code system. It also has a role in recommending how the services behind those codes are valued. CPT codes are the five digit codes healthcare providers use to describe the care we provide and bill for it. The AMA created and copyrighted this system and makes hundreds of millions of dollars annually from publishing products and royalties, which includes CPT licensing. But here’s the part I think more patients should know: The AMA also convenes a committee of physicians and medical specialty groups that recommends to the federal government how much different medical services should be valued for Medicare. The government ultimately makes the final decision, but those recommendations help shape how much doctors are paid for the care represented by these codes. The AMA owns the coding system. It generates significant revenue connected to that system. And it has a significant role in recommending how the medical services represented by those codes are valued. That is a lot of influence over how money moves through American healthcare…
Why then do physicians pay yearly dues to the AMA? What are you guys really getting from them?
2026-08-27 00:02:07
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tthoman :
WHAT???!!! They CHARGE you to use the codes you HAVE TO USE for coding?! The more you find out, the more you realize it’s even more of a scam!
2026-08-27 01:35:34
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Terrie Martin :
It reminds me of the books universities require that cost $400+, written by their professors & rewritten on a regular basis so the book as no trade in value & student are forced to buy new ones. My son had to pay $125 for a paper BROUCHER, not even a book, last semester. This was going on 40 yrs ago when attended & it continues to this day
2026-08-27 14:41:38
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CindiNP001🩺 :
the entire system is corrupt
2026-08-27 02:43:38
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jeannebean2021 :
Amen! Insurance companies getting richer. AMA getting richer. Meanwhile citizens can’t afford to go to the doctor!
2026-08-27 04:25:52
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Shaylene Beccari :
Say it louder, its embedded everywhere in healthcare
2026-08-27 00:29:41
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tesmith14 :
I worked for insurance and a CPT code would be billed incorrectly and we were not allowed to explain to them the error they made or how it could be paid.. I certainly did not photo copy a page from my CPT book on my desk and mailed it to them with the code circled anonymously from home. That would be irresponsible of me.
2026-08-27 01:36:09
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Gardengnome :
Three hundred million dollars? Is there anything in this country that isn't a scam?
2026-08-27 18:25:20
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zornesarts :
Became aware a couple decades back that most things in USA healthcare are a grift. The last year or so I’ve learned that the doctors can be as victimized as the patients.
2026-08-27 03:32:54
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Brody and Toby :
it's all such a scam!
2026-08-27 01:37:14
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h merris. 🆘🇺🇸 :
Our country is the only 1st world country that does not have universal healthcare. For those who want to argue it: the ONLY country in the World Cup that does not have universal healthcare. And nooooo, it wouldn’t cost more to have universal healthcare nor would healthcare suffer.
2026-08-27 15:26:43
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user4706361836004 :
The layered profits are everywhere in healthcare. Thats why it is broken here
2026-08-30 19:24:24
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DJ.macedog :
As a healthcare provider myself, it is so interesting and HELPFUL that you break this down in a way that’s digestible even for HCPs, I
2026-08-27 01:50:42
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Symmetrical Alien :
It’s interesting that you’re not mentioning how the AMA actively pushes for your reimbursement of those codes because CMS consistently refuses to pay you for them or CMS finds ways to reduce your payment of them. I’ve been in the payment integrity industry for 20+ years. You’re just barely cracking open the first window. There will not be just one villain.
2026-08-29 00:09:25
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A :
Okay I’ve had to learn how medical billing codes work for a lawsuit I’m working on (attorney) and I already felt like it was scammy and now you’re telling me the AMA IS ALSO INVOLVED
2026-08-29 06:08:32
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Latkamaven :
It shouldn’t be them that assign value to the CPT codes. This whole system needs an overhaul.
2026-08-26 23:56:09
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MandersCarmen :
Seems like a conflict of interest
2026-08-28 20:18:23
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MillennialEsq :
Raise your hand if you didn’t know the codes were licensed. This is ridiculous.
2026-08-28 01:46:05
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Melissa Turner :
I work for an EMR and we pay the AMA yearly to be able to provide these codes in our software.
2026-08-27 00:44:20
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PlanoSarah :
I recently learned that Optum, aka United Healthcare writes guidelines physicians follow? It came up in the Clancy trial as she didn't meet guidelines to be admitted. So I did some research on the guidelines. How is an insurance company setting guidelines the majority of physicians follow and they involve the care we receive?!
2026-08-27 22:53:01
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user7819780844945 :
You’re a gem, keep fighting we’re right there with you!
2026-08-26 23:42:27
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Julydave :
seems like a mafia move?
2026-08-27 16:36:58
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Ptk0011 :
AMA is as bad as big pharma. They help to keep physicians under lock, take their money, and funnel and shelter physicians so they do not bend or speak up
2026-08-27 02:33:18
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Toots toots :
It’s all a scam
2026-08-27 01:10:23
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