Every year, CPT codes are updated, and 2026 is a big one. There are 418 total changes:
288 new codes
46 revised codes
84 deleted codes
All these changes start January 1, 2026, so coders must update documentation, charge capture, and payer rules to avoid claim denials.
Think of CPT updates like a new rulebook—you must follow the latest version to get paid correctly.
1. Evaluation & Management (E/M)
Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM)
Codes 99453 and 99454 are revised.
New code 99445 is added for device supply and data recording for 2–15 days in a month.
New code 99470 covers the first 10 minutes of RPM treatment.
Codes 99457 and 99458 are adjusted to work with the new code.
Example:
If a patient uses a heart monitor for 10 days and the provider reviews data for 10 minutes, you may report 99445 + 99470 (if documentation supports it).
Always read the guidelines and time tables before coding RPM.
2. Surgery – Integumentary System (Skin)
Code 10040 wording changed from “Acne surgery” to “Extraction.”
Why it matters:
The procedure didn’t change—only the description, so use the updated language in documentation.
3. Surgery – Musculoskeletal System
%%AMCIL_PROTECT_1%%
Codes 27278 and 27279 updated to reflect modern techniques.
New Bone Lengthening Codes
27458 – Femur lengthening
27713 – Tibia lengthening
These codes include planning and follow-up work.
Example:
If a surgeon performs a tibial osteotomy and places a lengthening device, do not code planning separately—it’s already included.
4. Surgery – Cardiovascular System
Thoracic Aorta Repair
Some codes revised, some deleted, and one new code (33882) added.
Major Change: Lower Extremity %%AMCIL_PROTECT_2%%
Old codes are deleted.
46 new territory-based codes (37254–37299) added.
Vessels are grouped into regions:
Iliac
Femoral/Popliteal
Tibial/Peroneal
Inframalleolar
Example:
If two arteries in the same region are treated, you follow add-on rules, not separate base codes.
This section requires careful reading—many denials will happen if coded incorrectly.
5. Surgery – Digestive System
43889 – Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (weight-loss procedure)
47384 – Liver tumor ablation using irreversible electroporation
Imaging guidance is included, so don’t code it separately.
6. Surgery – Urinary System
52443 – Two-step balloon treatment for enlarged prostate
52597 – Robotic waterjet prostate resection
Tip:
These are very specific procedures, so documentation must clearly describe the technique used.
7. Surgery – Male Genital System (Prostate)
Prostate Biopsy – BIG CHANGE
Old code 55700 deleted
New codes 55707–55714
Coding is now based on:
Approach
Imaging used
Lesions, not number of cores
Example:
If 3 cores are taken from one lesion, code once, not three times.
Lymph Node Codes
55868 – Lymph node biopsy
55869 – Bilateral lymph node removal
Only use when performed with prostatectomy.
8. Surgery – Nervous System
Embolization codes now include imaging guidance
62330 – Lumbar decompression (first level)
+62331 – Each additional level
New Baroreflex Activation Therapy (BAT) Codes
These cover implant, revision, replacement, or removal of devices for hypertension or heart failure.
Programming is included unless done on a different date.
9. Radiology
New CT/CTA Codes
70471 – CTA head & neck with contrast
+70472 / 70473 – CT cerebral perfusion
Rule:
Do NOT report 70473 if CTA was already done the same day.
Radiation Therapy Updates
Old codes deleted
New Level 1–3 delivery codes
Image guidance is now bundled
10. Pathology & Laboratory
81354 – Optical genome mapping
81524 – DNA methylation testing for brain tumors
New microbiology codes for:
COVID-19
Flu
Drug-resistant bacteria
Many new PLA codes (0521U–0599U)—always check the lab name and test description.
11. Medicine Section
Vaccines
New RSV and flu vaccine codes
90480 – First vaccine component
+90481 – Each additional component
New vaccine counseling codes (90482–90484) when counseling is done on a different day
Hearing Device Services – MAJOR UPDATE
Old codes 92590–92595 deleted
New time-based codes 92628–92642
Covers:
Evaluation
Fitting
Follow-ups
Verification testing
Example:
Longer visits = add-on time units, if documented.
12. Cardiology – Coronary Interventions
Add-on codes for extra branches are deleted
Base codes now include artery + branches
If multiple arteries treated, report separate base codes
13. Category III Codes (New Technology)
Temporary codes for emerging procedures, such as:
Implantable hearing devices
Breast tumor ablation
Brain monitoring devices
These may not be paid by all payers—always verify coverage.
Final Advice for New Coders
✔ Always read guidelines first
✔ Watch for bundled services
✔ Pay close attention to time-based coding
✔ When in doubt, check parenthetical notes
CPT 2026 brings many opportunities—but only if you code it correctly and confidently.
