Dr. Abshier appointed to serve as the HCPAC Representative to the CPT Editorial Panel

In December 2023, Sarah Abshier, DPM, APMA’s CPT alternate advisor, was appointed to serve a four-year term representing the Health Care Professional Advisory Committee (HCPAC) on the CPT Editorial Panel. Her term is effective at the conclusion of the February 2024 CPT Editorial Panel meeting and runs through the February 2028 CPT Editorial Panel meeting. Dr Abshier is eligible for an additional four-year term at that time contingent upon AMA Board of Trustees’ approval.

Dr. Abshier is believed to be only the second podiatric physician and second female to serve in this capacity. She was preceded by Past APMA President Doug Sowell, DPM, and Helene Fearon, PT (American Physician Therapy Association) in this role.

The CPT® Editorial Panel ensures that CPT® codes reflect the latest medical care available to patients. Register to view a January APMA webinar on how CPT codes are created and valued.

The CPT Editorial Panel meetings are where the CPT code set is created,  deleted, and modified through a series of processes involving many medical specialties. These meetings occur three times a year. At these meetings, APMA attendees may caucus with related specialty groups, provide input on relevant codes, and participate in votes on proposed code changes. Your APMA representatives participate to protect podiatrists’ interests and also to protect the integrity of the code set.