If you work in medical billing, coding, or healthcare administration, you’ve probably wondered: “Where can I get a list of all CPT codes?”
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are essential for documentation, insurance reimbursement, and accurate medical billing. But with thousands of codes that change every year, finding an updated, reliable list can feel overwhelming.
This guide explains where to find CPT codes, how to access them legally, and the best free and paid resources for coders, students, and healthcare practices.
What Exactly Are CPT Codes?
CPT codes are a standardized set of medical procedure codes created and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA).
They describe:
- Office visits
- Surgeries
- Diagnostic tests
- Lab services
- Radiology procedures
- Therapy and behavioral health services
- Minor and complex medical treatments
These codes play a major role in medical billing, insurance claims, coding compliance, and reimbursement accuracy.
Where Can You Get a Complete List of All CPT Codes?
Because CPT codes are copyrighted by the AMA, the only official, complete, and legally approved source is the AMA itself.
However, there are several ways you can access them—both free and paid.
1. Can I Get CPT Codes Directly from the AMA? (Yes — Official Source)
AMA CPT® Professional Edition (Book)
- Updated every year
- Contains full CPT code set
- Includes code descriptions, guidelines, and modifiers
Best for: Medical coders, billers, compliance teams, students
AMA CPT® Online Subscription
- Digital access to all CPT codes
- Searchable code database
- Monthly updates
- Crosswalks and coding tools
Best for: Clinics, billing companies, and coders needing real-time updates
AMA “CPT® Assistant” Newsletter
- Provides coding guidance
- Clarifies CPT changes
- Helps reduce claim errors
2. Are There Free Places to View CPT Codes? (Partial Lists Only)
Yes — but only partial listings, because the full code set is copyrighted.
Free CPT code lookups are often limited to:
- Public payers
- General descriptions
- Billing guidance
- Provider fee schedules
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS)
You can search for CPT codes and reimbursement information, but not the full code descriptions.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
CMS offers tools like:
- National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI)
- Fee schedule lookups
- RVU and payment information
These help with billing accuracy, but do not include full CPT text.
Insurance Carrier Websites
Some private insurers publish:
- Coverage policies
- Fee schedules
- Procedure guidelines
These include CPT numbers but usually exclude complete descriptions.
3. Can I Download the Entire CPT Code List for Free?
No.
Due to AMA copyright protection, downloading the complete CPT code list for free is not legally allowed.
However, you can access:
- Limited code descriptions on payer websites
- Fee schedules with code numbers
- Tools that help you verify codes, RVUs, and coverage
To get the full list, you must use an AMA-approved source.
4. What Are the Best Third-Party Tools to Look Up CPT Codes?
Some medical coding platforms provide helpful CPT lookup tools (with licensing agreements). These include:
- EncoderPro
- AAPC Coder
- Optum360 Encoder
- SuperCoder
- Practice management EMR/EHR systems
These tools offer:
- CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS search
- Crosswalks
- Bundling edits
- Medically unlikely edits (MUEs)
- Fee schedule reimbursement data
5. Why Is Having an Updated CPT Code List Important?
Using outdated codes can cause:
- Claim denials
- Reimbursement delays
- Compliance issues
- Audit risks
- Incorrect documentation
The AMA updates CPT codes every year, adding new procedures, deleting outdated ones, and revising guidelines.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Source | Full List? | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMA CPT Book | ✔️ Yes | $$ | Students & coders |
| AMA CPT Online | ✔️ Yes | $$$ | Practices & billing companies |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | ❌ Partial | Free | Checking coverage & reimbursement |
| Third-party coding tools | ✔️ Licensed | $$–$$$ | Professional coders |
| Insurance websites | ❌ Partial | Free | Limited code guidance |
Final Thoughts
If you want the complete, official CPT code list, the American Medical Association is the only source that provides it legally and accurately.
Free resources like Medicare fee schedules or insurance websites are useful, but they do not replace the full CPT code set.
Accurate medical coding is essential for reimbursement, compliance, and proper documentation—so using a reliable, updated source matters.