Did you know that the American Medical Association (AMA) has made a total of 418 changes to the 2026 CPT code manual? These include 288 new code additions, 46 revisions, and 84 deletions.
Yes, it is a HUGE update! But do not worry. Our certified professional coders (CPCs) and billing specialists have worked collaboratively to break down all major 2026 CPT code changes for you.
That’s not all, we will also recap the last year’s CPT code updates, and summarize the anticipated CPT code changes for 2027. So, continue reading!
- A Quick Recap of 2025 CPT Code Updates
- List of New CPT Codes Added in 2026
- Radiology: Advanced Neuroimaging & Bundling
- Digestive System: Minimally Invasive Weight Loss & Liver Care
- Genitourinary & Male Genital System
- Nervous System: Autonomic Modulation
- Radiation Oncology: Surface & Orthovoltage Therapy
- Pathology & Laboratory: Molecular & Microbiology
- Medicine: Vaccines, Audiology & Cardiology
- Category III: Emerging Technologies
- List of CPT Codes Modified or Deleted in 2026
- Anticipated New CPT Codes & Updates for 2027
- Partner With MediBillMD to Maximize Reimbursements
A Quick Recap of 2025 CPT Code Updates
Before starting with the 2026 CPT code changes, let’s quickly recap the 2025 updates. This will help you understand how the annual code updates align with the modern treatment techniques and prevent ambiguity.
In 2025, there were 420 updates to the CPT code set. These included 270 new codes, 112 deletions, and 38 revisions. Some of the major new additions, modifications, and deletions are discussed below:
- Temporary telephone-only codes (99441-99443) were removed to make room for new audio-video E/M codes (98000-98007) based on medical decision-making or time.
- Moreover, audio-only CPT codes (98008-98015) were established as a permanent reporting path for synchronous audio-only care.
- The descriptor of CPT code 98975 was modified to include digital therapeutic intervention.
- CPT codes (49203-49205) were replaced by new tumor excision codes (49186-49190). Besides, these new codes enabled pricing based on total tumor length rather than volume.
- New codes for skin cell suspension (15011-15018) were introduced. They separated the harvesting/prep from the actual application.
- Allograft bone codes (20930-20931) were modified to distinguish between morselized and structural bone.
- AI-augmented CT codes (0877T-0880T) were added to track the use of AI software for analyzing chest CT data for lung nodules or calcium scoring.
- New cardiac drug delivery codes (0913T-0914T) were introduced for transcatheter drug-delivery balloons.
- New additions for automated pump codes (0870T-0875T) were made.
- CPT code 96040 was replaced by a new genetic counseling code (96041) to reflect the higher complexity and time required for molecular pathology consultations.
List of New CPT Codes Added in 2026
Let’s review the new CPT codes for 2026:
Radiology: Advanced Neuroimaging & Bundling
Many new procedural codes were introduced in the radiology section. The new additions primarily follow a one-code approach to complex head and neck imaging. That is, they effectively bundle multiple steps that used to be billed separately to prevent unbundling errors.
Some of the 2026 CPT code changes are discussed below:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 70471 | It is a bundled service code that covers computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the head and neck with contrast. What does it bundle? Non-contrast images (when performed) and all 3D image postprocessing. |
| 70472 | Add-on CT brain perfusion analysis that includes contrast and postprocessing during a primary head CT or CTA study. |
| 70473 | This code covers a standalone CT cerebral perfusion analysis with contrast and postprocessing, i.e., not performed with a concurrent CT/CTA. |
Digestive System: Minimally Invasive Weight Loss & Liver Care
With the CPT code changes for 2026, AMA introduced several high-impact codes in the Digestive System section. These additions signify a transition to advanced, minimally invasive procedures, specifically in oncology and bariatrics.
Simply put, they have finally acquired Category I recognition from their previous unlisted or temporary status. But what will be its impact? A more standardized reimbursement!
The following table covers the major additions in this category:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 43889 | It covers endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a minimally invasive gastric volume reduction via endoscope to restrict food intake and treat obesity. |
| 47384 | This CPT code includes percutaneous liver tumor ablation using irreversible electroporation (IRE). That is, the provider uses electrical pulses to destroy cell membranes. Besides, imaging guidance is covered. |
| 91124 | Rectal sensation and compliance study using a barostat balloon system to measure pressure sensitivity and rectal wall elasticity. |
| 91125 | It includes anorectal manometry to assess anal sphincter and rectal muscle pressure, sensation, and coordination during rest and bowel movements. |
Genitourinary & Male Genital System
The 2026 CPT code changes completely modernize how prostate health is reported. That is, it shifts the focus from quantity of samples to quality of imaging:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 55707-55715 | It is a new family for prostate biopsies that specifies the approach (transperineal vs. transrectal) and the exact guidance utilized, such as in-bore CT or MRI-ultrasound. |
| 52597 | This code covers robotic waterjet prostate tissue ablation through the urethra. It also includes planning, ultrasound guidance, and bleeding control. |
| 55868 | Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with nerve-sparing and limited pelvic lymph node biopsy, i.e., often performed with robotic assistance. |
| 55869 | When a bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is performed during a radical retropubic laparoscopic prostatectomy. |
Nervous System: Autonomic Modulation
The 2026 CPT changes for this category primarily focus on brain-heart interface technologies used to treat chronic conditions:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 64654 | This procedural code covers the initial implantation, tunneling, and connection of a baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) system, such as the Barostim device, for resistant hypertension. |
| 64655-64659 | They describe the removal, replacement, or revision of the BAT pulse generator and carotid sinus leads. |
| 62330 | It covers bilateral percutaneous lumbar decompression with partial removal of the ligamentum flavum at one interspace. |
| 62331 | This add-on code is for reporting each additional lumbar interspace treated in the same session. |
Radiation Oncology: Surface & Orthovoltage Therapy
Another major update that comes with the CPT code changes for 2026 is that AMA has streamlined the reporting of surface-level radiation. A new code family is added to distinguish between treatment planning, energy utilization for delivery, and the required guidance for accuracy.
The table below offers a glimpse into these codes:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 77436 | This code describes surface radiation planning. It covers simulation-aided field settings specifically for cutaneous (skin) targets. |
| 77437 | It covers superficial delivery, i.e., common for electronic brachytherapy or very shallow skin lesions. It includes reporting treatment at energy levels up to 150 kV per fraction. |
| 77438 | It covers orthovoltage delivery. It involves delivering surface radiation therapy with greater than 150 to 500 kV per fraction. |
| 77439 | It is an add-on code for ultrasound guidance, i.e., used to ensure the precise placement of the treatment field. Reported once per treatment course, and only with 77437 or 77438. |
Pathology & Laboratory: Molecular & Microbiology
In this section, the 2026 CPT code changes focus on optical genome mapping (OGM) and sophisticated algorithmic profiling for oncology.
The table below discusses some of the major CPT code additions:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 81354 | It describes optical genome mapping for high-resolution analysis of long-strand DNA to detect structural and copy number variants across the entire genome. |
| 81524 | It includes algorithmic DNA methylation profiling of CNS tumors at 10,000+ sites to classify tumor type and predict MGMT-related chemotherapy response. |
| 87182 | It covers a multiplex immunoassay for qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes produced by cultured organisms to identify antibiotic resistance. |
| 87183 | Amplified probe technique to detect specific carbapenem resistance genes in cultured isolates for targeted therapy. |
| 87627 | It describes a multiplex nucleic acid test that detects 26+ pathogens and resistance genes from joint space specimens via amplification. |
| 0521U-0599U | These are proprietary laboratory analyses (PLA) codes for tests provided by specific, single-source laboratories. |
Medicine: Vaccines, Audiology & Cardiology
AMA introduced the most significant overhaul in a decade to this category with the CPT code changes for 2026. We have further divided this category for a better understanding of the updates:
Vaccines & Immunization Counseling
With the 2026 updates, counseling has been recognized as a valuable clinical service, even if the vaccine is not administered that day:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 90382 | It covers the seasonal RSV vaccine product (0.7 mL dose). |
| 90612, 90613, 90631, 90635 | These codes are for new influenza vaccine products, including combination COVID/Flu mRNA doses. |
| 90482-90484 | These codes describe the time spent discussing vaccine benefits and risks when the injection is not performed on the same date. |
| 90481 | It is an add-on code to report each additional component of a multivalent vaccine. |
Hearing Device Services
A 12-code family (92628-92642) is introduced that follows the patient’s full care pathway:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 92628-92632 | These are time-based codes for evaluating whether a patient needs a hearing device and selecting the appropriate tech. Include review of audiologic data, additional testing, and counseling. |
| 92634-92642 | These codes describe initial fitting (60 mins), post-fitting checks, and technical verification methods like probe-microphone or electroacoustic checks. |
Coronary Therapeutic Services
Two new CPT codes have been added to this category:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 92930 | It covers complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), involving multiple stents in separate segments or bifurcation lesions requiring main and branch treatment. |
| 92945 | It describes restoration of blood flow in chronic total occlusions (CTOs) using both antegrade and retrograde approaches via collateral vessels and bypass grafts. |
Category III: Emerging Technologies
For context, category III codes serve as the waiting room for new technological advancements. With the 2026 CPT changes, the following major codes are added:
| New CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 0951T-0955T | These codes describe totally implantable active devices for patients who cannot use traditional hearing aids. |
| 0970T-0971T | They cover emerging non-surgical methods for destroying breast tumors. |
| 1004T-1009T | Continuous, bilateral monitoring using an implantable device to track seizure activity over long periods. |
List of CPT Codes Modified or Deleted in 2026
Deleted and revised codes are an integral part of the 2026 CPT code manual. Thus, understanding these updates is equally important. This section will walk you through codes that are no longer billable or have been revamped, so that you do not encounter unexpected denials or payment delays.
2026 Revised CPT Codes
Before we begin with the list, we will reiterate that the CPT code changes for 2026 include 46 major revisions. These modifications are introduced not only to align with modern surgical techniques but also to prevent ambiguity in procedural code descriptors.
Remote Monitoring: The Granular Time Revision
Several codes in this category have been revamped to capture shorter provider interactions:
| Modified CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 99454 | This code now specifies device supply for remote physiologic monitoring for 16-30 days in 30-day increments. For context, previously, it was billable for a device supply of 30 days. |
| 98976, 98977 | These RTM supply codes were also updated to the 16-30-day bracket to align with the new short-term RTM codes. |
| 99457, 99458 | These codes function as the upper tier of the 10-minute ladder. They have been updated to reflect that they apply when the first 20 minutes are reached. |
Cardiovascular: The Coronary Branch Rebuild
AMA has also revamped the cardiology subsection to stop the practice of billing for every minor branch of an artery separately:
| Modified CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 92920, 92928, 92933 | The descriptors for these angioplasty and stenting codes now include the phrase “one or more of its branches” of the target vessel. |
| 93571 | The descriptor for intravascular Doppler flow (FFR) was revised (“when performed” was added) to clarify that the code is valid even if stress agents are not used. |
| 92973 | The wording for mechanical thrombectomy was adjusted to ensure it captures newer, low-profile aspiration devices used in smaller coronary vessels. |
Surgery: Musculoskeletal
This category has also gone through some editorial changes:
| Modified CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 27279 | This code describes sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion. The modified descriptor explicitly requires that the device pierce the cortices of both the ilium and the sacrum. If the device only sits in the joint space, you must bill the service under a different code (27278). |
Integumentary System: Terminology Update
The table below discusses a major terminology update that this category has seen with the 2026 CPT code changes:
| Modified CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 10040 | The term “Acne surgery” has been deleted and replaced with “Extraction.” This terminology modification enables billing of the extraction of comedones, cysts, or pustules regardless of whether acne is the primary diagnosis. |
Radiology: Radiation & Embolization
With the 2026 CPT code changes, AMA revamped the following codes in this category:
| Modified CPT Codes | Description |
|---|---|
| 77402, 77407, 77412 | These radiation delivery codes were restructured into levels 1, 2, and 3. Besides, guidance and motion management are now bundled as part of the delivery rather than being billed as separate guidance codes. |
| 61624, 61626 | Transcatheter vascular occlusion codes are modified to include all radiological roadmapping, interpretation, and supervision within the primary code. |
2026 Deleted CPT Codes
The CPT code changes for 2026 also include the deletion of 84 procedural codes. The reason? Old, generic codes are replaced by more specific, territory-based, or bundled options to reflect modern medical practices.
This section lists all major deleted codes:
| Deleted CPT Codes | Category/Specialty | Reason For Removal |
|---|---|---|
| 37220-37235 | Lower extremity revascularization | These codes are removed to be replaced by 46 new territory-based codes (37254-37299) that define four specific vascular regions, i.e., iliac, femoral/popliteal, tibial/peroneal, and inframalleolar. |
| 92590-92595 | Hearing device services | These evaluation codes were replaced by a 12-code family (92628-92642) that follows a modern, time-based framework for candidacy, selection, and fitting. |
| 77385, 77386, 77014 | Radiation treatment delivery | These deleted codes reported IMRT delivery and CT image guidance. AMA removed them and included the work covered under these codes into the revised delivery family (77402, 77407, 77412) as levels 1, 2, and 3. |
| 55700 | Male genital system (prostate) | This code for the generic prostate needle biopsy is removed. Besides, new codes 55707-55714 were introduced to specify the biopsy by surgical approach and the specific type of imaging guidance used. |
| 33884, 33889, 33891 | Thoracic aortic repair (TEVAR) | These CPT codes were removed to streamline the reporting of stent graft systems used for the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta. |
Anticipated New CPT Codes & Updates for 2027
Now that we have covered the major CPT code changes for 2026, it is time to discuss what is expected in the coming year. This section will cover the anticipated codes and updates for 2027:
Surgery & Wound Care Updates
The expected updates in this category for 2027 are:
- New codes for diaphragmatic and diaphragm repair (39XX3-39X12) and a specific add-on code (39X13) for mesh implantation. Besides, it is anticipated that existing codes (39540, 39541, 39545) will be revised to specify “via laparotomy” or “open plication” in their descriptor.
- In 2027, the addition of codes for skin cell suspension autograft (15X19-15X22) with updated guidelines is also expected. Moreover, these will result in the removal of the current codes (15011-15018).
- A new code for fluorescence wound imaging (976XX) is expected to become active next year for real-time imaging in clinical darkness. It will replace temporary codes 0598T and 0599T.
Gastrointestinal & Oncology Updates
Listed below are the key anticipations for this category in 2027:
- New dedicated codes (4XX01, 4XX02) for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedures in the upper and lower GI tracts will be added in 2027.
- Two new codes (44XX1, 44XX2) will be added to the CPT code manual 2027 to differentiate between open and laparoscopic approaches. On the other hand, CPT code 44180 is expected to undergo a modification.
- Addition of 48XXX for open irreversible electroporation (IRE). As a result, 0601T will be revamped to specify organs other than the pancreas.
Maternity & Lymphatic Updates
For this category, a massive update is anticipated in 2027. This will include:
- Addition of codes (59XX1-59X12) and the deletion of 17 long-standing codes (including 59400, 59510, and 59610) to modernize reporting for global maternity packages.
- New codes (38X03, 38X04) for lymphatic vessel anastomosis and new lymphovenous bypass guidelines will be introduced. Besides, these new additions will replace temporary code 1019T.
Partner With MediBillMD to Maximize Reimbursements
With that said, it is time to conclude! We understand that medical coding is a complex process, and staying current with the annual updates further complicates things.
Hopefully, with this guide as your go-to resource detailing the 2026 CPT code changes, you will be able to streamline your coding and billing workflow for the year.
However, if you still struggle, feel free to outsource medical billing services to professionals at MediBillMD.
