As we approach the start of a new coding year, the American Medical Association has released the CPT® 2026 code set, bringing with it a significant wave of change. With 418 total updates—including new, revised, and deleted codes—this year’s revision reflects the rapid evolution of healthcare technologies, diagnostic capabilities, and procedural techniques.
Whether you work in compliance, revenue cycle, coding, or clinical operations, understanding these changes before January 1, 2026 is essential for accurate documentation, smoother claims processing, and proper reimbursement.
Below is a clear and concise breakdown of the most important updates across all major CPT® sections.
Major Themes in CPT® 2026
The new code set includes:
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288 new codes
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46 code revisions
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84 deletions
Key areas impacted include digital health, cardiovascular procedures, hearing device services, molecular diagnostics, radiology workflows, and emergent technologies represented in the Category III section.
1. Evaluation & Management: Expanded Remote Monitoring Options
Remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) continues to mature in CPT® 2026. Updates include:
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Revised setup and supply codes (99453, 99454)
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A new code (99445) for device supply and transmission for shorter monitoring periods
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A new treatment management code (99470) for the first 10 minutes of RPM
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Revisions to existing management codes (99457, 99458) to align with the new time structure
These updates come with refreshed guidelines and a new time-based reference table, making it easier to select the correct RPM service level.
2. Surgery: Key Updates Across Body Systems
Integumentary
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10040 now reflects “extraction” rather than “acne surgery,” providing a more accurate clinical description.
Musculoskeletal
Updates address modern surgical trends, including:
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Revised SI joint arthrodesis descriptors (27278, 27279)
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New codes for femoral and tibial osteotomies using programmable intramedullary lengthening devices (27458, 27713)
The new codes include both surgical planning and postoperative lengthening management.
Cardiovascular: Major Revisions to TEVAR and Lower Limb Revascularization
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR)
Multiple codes are revised, retired, or replaced, and a new code (33882) is added. Changes clarify coding for procedures involving the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta.
Lower Extremity Revascularization: Complete Redesign
One of the most transformative updates for 2026:
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Existing codes deleted
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46 new codes (37254–37299) introduced
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Four clearly defined vascular territories
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Differentiation between straightforward and complex lesions
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More intuitive add-on structure
This new framework simplifies an area that previously led to frequent confusion and payer denials.
Digestive System
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A new code (43889) describes endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.
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Another new code (47384) covers percutaneous liver tumor ablation using irreversible electroporation.
Urinary System
Two new codes address evolving treatments for benign prostatic obstruction:
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52443 for a two-step balloon-based therapy combining tissue separation and drug delivery
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52597 for robotic-assisted waterjet prostate tissue removal
Male Genital System
Prostate biopsy coding undergoes a complete overhaul:
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Traditional code 55700 is deleted
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New range 55707–55714 allows reporting by approach and imaging technique
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Targeted biopsies are now billed per lesion
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55715 reports additional lesions during fusion or in-bore biopsy
Updates also restructure lymph node procedures added to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Nervous System
Highlights include:
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Embolization codes updated to include all imaging guidance
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New lumbar decompression code 62330 with add-on +62331
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A new code family (64654–64659) describes implantation, revision, or removal of baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) systems
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New programming codes (93145, 93146) for use when not done in the operating session
3. Radiology: New CT/CTA and Radiation Therapy Frameworks
Cross-sectional Imaging
New codes reflect evolving imaging practices:
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70471 for CTA head/neck with bundled pre-contrast when performed
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+70472 for CT perfusion performed with other CT/CTA services
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70473 for standalone CT cerebral perfusion
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy delivery receives a major update:
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Daily treatment codes are reorganized into Levels 1–3
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Image guidance is now bundled into the delivery codes
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Legacy IMRT and guidance codes (77385, 77386, 77014) are deleted
A new surface radiation therapy family (77436–77439) captures planning, treatment, and ultrasound-guided field placement.
4. Pathology & Laboratory: Expanding Precision Medicine
Updates reflect advances in molecular and microbiologic diagnostics:
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81354 introduces genome-wide optical mapping for structural variants
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81524 adds DNA methylation profiling for CNS tumors
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Chemistry codes are updated to include additional heavy metals
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Five new microbiology codes address resistance enzymes, gene detection, and respiratory pathogens
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New PLA codes (0521U–0599U) expand testing options for precision diagnostics
5. Medicine: New Vaccines, Updated Administration Rules, and Revamped Hearing Services
Vaccine Section
New product codes include:
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A new RSV vaccine
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Multiple new influenza vaccine codes
Vaccine administration rules are updated:
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90480 revised for initial components
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+90481 for each additional component
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New counseling codes (90482–90484) for visits not tied to administration
Hearing Device Services: Complete Modernization
Long-standing codes are replaced by a new family (92628–92642) covering the full patient journey:
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Evaluation
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Selection
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Fitting
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Verification
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Post-fitting follow-up
The new structure uses time tiers and add-on codes to better reflect clinical workload.
Coronary Interventions
The coronary therapeutic section is redesigned:
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Six codes removed
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Several revised
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Two new codes added (92930, 92945)
Previous add-on logic for additional branches is removed; base codes now represent a single major coronary artery and its branches, simplifying reporting.
6. Category III Codes: Growing Field of Emerging Technologies
New additions include:
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Implantable middle ear devices
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Minimally invasive breast tumor ablation technologies
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Sub-scalp implantable continuous EEG monitoring systems
These codes highlight rapid innovations across surgical implants, digital neurology, and image-guided therapies.
Preparing for CPT® 2026: What Your Organization Should Do Now
To avoid claims delays, denials, or compliance issues in 2026, organizations should:
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Update internal code lists, charge masters, and EHR dictionaries
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Train coders, clinicians, and billing teams on new documentation requirements
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Communicate changes to providers performing high-impact services
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Review payer policies aligned with 2026 updates
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Perform internal audits to validate readiness before January 1
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