AI-enabled lesion quantification tool earns new CPT code
The American Medical Association has approved a new Category 3 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for AI-enabled technology that tracks lesion changes in cancer patients over time.
AIQ Solutions celebrated the AMA’s decision Wednesday, with the update applying to its TRAQinform IQ technology, first cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018. The software gives clinicians detailed insight into how patients are responding to treatment based on changes in lesion size and metabolic activity, offering earlier opportunities to alter care plans.
A retrospective study of the tool’s utility for quantifying lesions in patients with metastatic lung cancer and lymphoma revealed it to be more accurate than the standard of care. Experts involved in its development believe it has the potential to meaningfully improve cancer care.
"This CPT code represents a critical step toward broader clinical adoption of technology that can transform care for patients with advanced cancer," Eric Horler, president and CEO of AIQ Solutions, said in a news release. "By formally recognizing the unique analysis our platform provides, the AMA has helped pave the way for oncologists to access intelligence that can guide more timely and effective treatment decisions."
"For clinicians and patients, this matters," added Glenn Liu, MD, AIQ co-founder and chief medical officer. "Understanding how each lesion is responding differently to treatment can profoundly change treatment recommendations. More informed decisions result in confident decisions that improve patient care."
The AMA’s approval makes TRAQinform IQ 1 of less than 30 AI-powered imaging tools to have been issued a CPT code (X567T). It should be noted that Category 3 codes are for tracking and are not eligible for reimbursement. However, their assignment represents positive momentum in securing payment for AI use in healthcare.
The lack of reimbursement for such tools has not prevented organizations from implementing new technology into their workflows, though it has hindered the ability to gauge its return on investment. Despite this, many experts have expressed optimism for the future of AI-related reimbursement.
For more information on the latest CPT changes, the AMA’s Summary of Panel Actions can be found here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.