AMA Introduces Its First-Ever Physician App; Launches App Challenge

The American Medical Association (AMA) today introduced its first-ever app designed specifically for physicians that allows them to quickly find CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) billing codes. The app is now available for free through the iTunes store. It also launched the 2011 AMA App Challenge to find the next great medical app idea.

“The AMA’s new CPT quick reference app helps physicians determine the appropriate E/M code for billing quickly, easily and accurately,” said AMA Board Secretary Steven J. Stack, M.D. “To find the next great medical app idea we are going right to the source by inviting physicians, residents and medical students to participate in the first-ever AMA App Challenge.”

Open to all U.S. physicians, residents and medical students, the 2011 AMA App Challenge calls on those on the front lines of medicine to submit their unique app idea for a chance to have the AMA bring it to life. Participants can submit their app ideas easily through an online form beginning today. Submissions will be accepted through June 30th, 2011. Two winners will be selected, one from the resident/fellow or medical student category and one from the physician category. The winners will each receive $2,500 in cash and prizes, plus a trip for two to New Orleans for the grand unveiling of their winning idea at the AMA’s meeting in November.

Developed by the AMA for physicians, the CPT evaluation and management quick reference app is an on-the-go reference guide that helps physicians determine the appropriate CPT code to use for billing. Compatible with Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, the app features both decision-tree logic and quick search options, allowing physicians to digitally track CPT codes and email them anywhere. Physicians can also save their most frequently used codes by location or type of service to allow for even more ease of use.

“Quick access to accurate information physicians use daily was the goal behind creating the CPT app,” said Dr. Stack. “We are eager to discover which other medical apps physicians, residents and medical students would find useful through their App Challenge idea submissions, and we are thrilled to be able to bring two of the best ideas to the physician community.”