STAT+: Top lawmaker takes aim at doctor lobby, linking AMA’s billing codes to fraud fight

STAT PlusPolitics Top lawmaker takes aim at doctor lobby, linking AMA’s billing codes to fraud fight Rep. James Comer questions ‘complexity’ of CPT codes Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonMay 5, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John Wilkerson[email protected]John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. WASHINGTON — For decades, politicians have blamed the country’s biggest doctor lobby for some of the health care systems problems. Now it faces a new line of attack as Republicans portray their health care cuts as fraud-fighting policies. The law requires that doctors bill for services in Medicare and Medicaid using Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, codes, which are owned by the American Medical Association. The codes describe what services a patient received.Advertisement A key House Republican is requesting a meeting with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services officials to discuss their oversight of the CPT coding system as part of his committee’s investigation into fraud, waste, and abuse. In the letter, Rep. James Comer (Ky.) suggests the “complexity” of medical coding “may be contributing to improper billing and higher costs” and “creates an environment where billing inaccuracies can flourish.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In CMS, Congress, doctors, health care costs, legal, Policy Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Health Care Inc. Newsletter May 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Pump the brakes on AI, buddy; and deposition deadlock D.C. Diagnosis April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Democrats go hard on health care affordability Advertisement Health Care Inc. Newsletter April 27, 2026 STAT Plus: An insider reveals the real goals of prior authorization Politics April 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Federal test of AI prior authorization is delaying care for seniors, report says Business April 21, 2026 STAT Plus: CMS to ask every state for new audits of health care providers Subscriber Picks