New CPT 2026 Updates
If you missed the Harmony Healthcare sponsored webinar on the 2026 CPT updates, we’ll highlight some of the key points for you.
You can watch the full 2026 CPT Code Updates webinar here.
E&M Code Changes
The E&M section of CPT has both new and revised codes for Digitally Stored Data Services/Remote Physiologic Monitoring. These codes can either be used for the initial set-up and patient education (99453, 99445, 99454) or management services (99470, 99457, +99458). Codes in these series are based on time with the CPT manual providing a table for guidance.
Radiation Oncology Code Changes
The Radiation Oncology section has a series of new codes addressing surface radiation therapy. This type of radiation treatment is used primarily for skin cancers. Two types of this radiation are available, superficial (SXT) or orthovoltage (DXT), and are distinguished by the depth of skin penetration.
Pathology and Laboratory Code Changes
Again, in the Pathology and Laboratory Section, 79 new codes were added to Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) Section of CPT. PLA codes identify clinical laboratory analyses that are considered proprietary. These can be used by a single laboratory or multiple labs. When a PLA code exists for a specific service, no other CPT code should be assigned. These codes are released quarterly and are included in Appendix O.
Musculoskeletal Code Changes
New codes were added in the Musculoskeletal section for osteotomies of the femur or tibia (including fibula when performed) to capture the insertion of an externally controlled intramedullary lengthening device.
Cardiology Code Changes
The cardiology section saw major changes. First, endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta was updated. Changes reflect how the thoracic aortic repair addresses the left subclavian artery. Revised code 33880 includes the covering of the left subclavian artery by the endograft, with 33881 not involving the coverage of that vessel. New code 33882 states the endograft has a fenestration for a left subclavian artery stent graft.
Endovascular Code Changes
Next, endovascular revascularization of the lower extremities for arterial occlusive disease was given a major overhaul. 37220-37235 were all deleted. New codes were created to address these procedures based on vascular territories. One of the most important aspects of these new codes to keep in mind is the distinction between straightforward and complex lesions. CPT is defining a straightforward lesion as a stenosis of the artery, whereas a complex lesion is considered an arterial occlusion. Coding professionals will need to differentiate between the type of lesion and the vascular territory when assigning codes. The vascular territories are:
- Iliac: 37254-37262
- Femoral and Popliteal: 37263-27279
- Tibial and Peroneal: 37280-37295
- Inframalleolar: 37296-37299
Digestive System Code Changes
In the Digestive system section, a new code (43889) was added to capture an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure, a type of gastric restrictive procedure. In the same section, new code 47384 is for an irreversible electroporation ablation procedure to treat liver tumors.
Prostate Code Changes
Prostate biopsy codes underwent significant change for 2026. Code 55705 now covers any prostate biopsy by any approach that does not use imaging guidance. New codes were added to capture prostate biopsies performed with imaging guidance and are dependent on the type of imaging used as well as the approach, either transrectal or transperineal. Also, in the Male Genital section, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy coding was changed. 55866 was revised and includes the performance of a retropubic radical nerve-sparing prostatectomy, while new codes 55868 and 55869 add lymph node biopsy coverage. Finally, in this section, we see new code 55877 for an irreversible electroporation ablation of prostate tumors.
Nervous System Code Changes
The Nervous system presents revised and new codes for spinal decompression procedures and a new series of codes for baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) modulation system. BAT is a treatment for resistant hypertension or heart failure. As with other neurostimulation procedures there are codes for insertion, revision, and removal (entire system or components only), as well as programming.
Medicine Code Changes
New codes in the Medicine section address vaccines such as RSV, influenza, and influenza plus COVID. Another change in the Medicine section occurs in the coronary therapeutic services and procedures series. Percutaneous transluminal coronary interventions were revised based on combinations of angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting. We recommend reading the series of notes that precede this section to gain a deeper understanding of how to apply the codes.
New codes in the Category III codes include:
- Middle ear hearing implants
- Laser ablation of breast tumors (benign or malignant)
- Selective enzymatic debridement
- Autologous muscle cell therapy
- Implantable sub-scalp continuous bilateral EEG monitoring
Finally, there is a new modifier in town-modifier 33 for preventive services.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity in coding, Harmony Healthcare has been matching qualified job seekers with careers that match their goals for more than 15 years. Check out our open jobs page today!
This article is by Dianna Foley, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CHPS, External Education Partner/Consultant
