The 2026 CPT® code set introduces one of the most significant updates in recent years, with extensive changes across multiple specialties. These updates reflect advancements in medical technology, evolving care delivery models, and CMS’s ongoing efforts to improve coding accuracy and reimbursement alignment.
For providers, coders, and revenue cycle management (RCM) teams, understanding these changes is critical to maintaining compliance, avoiding denials, and optimizing reimbursement in 2026.
Overview of 2026 CPT Code Changes
The 2026 CPT code set includes a total of 418 editorial changes, broken down as follows:
- 288 New CPT Codes
- 46 Revised CPT Codes
- 84 Deleted CPT Codes
- Total CPT Codes for 2026: 11,525
These changes span Evaluation & Management (E/M), Remote Monitoring, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Radiology, Laboratory, and multiple other sections.
Evaluation and Management (E/M) – 2026 Updates
Section Summary
- 2 New CPT Codes
- 4 Revised CPT Codes
- No deletions
While relatively limited, the E/M updates focus on clarifying reporting requirements to reduce misuse and improve consistency in documentation.
Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM): Major Clarifications & New Codes
Remote monitoring continues to evolve rapidly, and 2026 introduces important refinements.
Revised CPT Code 99453
Description: Setup and patient education for RPM
2026 Update:
- This code cannot be reported if monitoring occurs for less than 2 cumulative days within a 30-day period.
- This clarification prevents inappropriate billing for minimal or incidental monitoring.
New CPT Code 99445
Description: RPM device supply for 2–15 days in a 30-day period
Why it matters:
- Previously, short-term RPM monitoring was not reportable.
- This code fills that gap and improves reporting accuracy.
Revised CPT Code 99454
- Now applies specifically to 16–30 days of device supply rather than a generic “each 30 days.”
RPM Treatment Management Services
- New CPT Code 99470:
RPM treatment management, first 10 minutes per calendar month, requiring at least one real-time interactive communication. - Revised Codes:
- 99457: First 20 minutes
- +99458: Each additional 20 minutes
Integumentary System Updates
Section Summary
- No new codes
- 1 revised code
- No deletions
Revised CPT Code 10040
- The term “acne surgery” has been removed.
- The revision clarifies that this code applies to extraction of multiple small skin lesions, not acne alone.
Musculoskeletal System: New Procedures & Code Retirements
Section Summary
- 2 New Codes
- 2 Revised Codes
- 2 Deleted Codes
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Arthrodesis – Revised Codes
- 27278: Minimally invasive SI joint arthrodesis without cortical piercing
- 27279: SI joint arthrodesis with cortical piercing
Key rules:
- Do not report both codes for the same joint
- Use modifier 50 for bilateral procedures
- Hybrid procedures default to 27279
New Limb Lengthening Codes
- 27458: Femur osteotomy with externally controlled intramedullary lengthening
- 27713: Tibia/fibula osteotomy with externally controlled intramedullary lengthening
Deleted Codes
- 27445: Knee hinge prosthesis arthroplasty
- 27468: Osteoplasty of femur with segment transfer
Respiratory System
No CPT code changes were introduced in the Respiratory section for 2026.
Cardiovascular System: Extensive Restructuring
Section Summary
- 48 New Codes
- 4 Revised Codes
- 20 Deleted Codes
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR)
Revised codes:
- 33880, 33881, 33883, 33886
Major change:
Radiological supervision and interpretation (S&I) codes 75956–75959 have been deleted and bundled into the primary procedure codes.
New Thoracic Branched Endograft Codes
- 33882: Endovascular repair with branched or fenestrated thoracic endograft
- 35602: Open carotid-to-carotid bypass prior to TEVAR/TBE
Lower Extremity Revascularization – Complete Overhaul
Old codes (37220–37235) deleted
New ranges introduced (46 codes):
- Iliac arteries: 37254–37262
- Femoral & popliteal arteries: 37263–37279
- Tibial & peroneal arteries: 37280–37295
- Inframalleolar arteries: 37296–37299
These codes now distinguish:
- Initial vs additional vessels
- Stenosis vs occlusion
- Angioplasty, stent, atherectomy, and IVL usage
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Section Summary
- 2 New Codes
- No revisions or deletions
New codes include:
- 43889: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
- 47384: Percutaneous liver tumor ablation using irreversible electroporation
Genitourinary System: Prostate Care Updates
Section Summary
- 14 New Codes
- 2 Revised Codes
- 2 Deleted Codes
Prostate Biopsy Changes
- Deleted: 55700
- Revised: 55705
- New: 55707–55715 (image-guided biopsy codes by approach and imaging modality)
New Prostate Treatment Codes
- 52443: Balloon commissurotomy with drug delivery
- 52597: Robotic-assisted waterjet resection of the prostate
Nervous System, Eye & Auditory
Section Summary
- 11 New Codes
- 3 Revised Codes
Highlights:
- 62330 & +62331: Percutaneous lumbar decompression (Category III → I)
- +63032: Annular disc defect repair
- 64728: Percutaneous carpal tunnel decompression
- New Autonomic Nervous System Modulation section (64654–64659)
Radiology Updates
Section Summary
- 8 New Codes
- 3 Revised Codes
- 9 Deleted Codes
Key additions:
- 70471–70473: CT/CTA cerebral perfusion imaging
- 75577: Coronary plaque quantification
- 77436–77439: Surface radiation therapy
Major deletions include IMRT delivery and standalone S&I codes.
Pathology & Laboratory
Section Summary
- 7 New Codes
- 2 Revised Codes
Includes updates for:
- Microbiology testing
- Molecular diagnostics
- COVID-19 and Influenza assays
Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA)
Section Summary
- 79 New Codes
- 3 Revised Codes
- 13 Deleted Codes
PLA codes (0001U–0599U) primarily support advanced genomic and proprietary diagnostic testing.
Medicine Section Highlights
Section Summary
- 37 New Codes
- 18 Revised Codes
- 17 Deleted Codes
Key focus areas:
- Vaccines and immunization counseling
- Hearing aid services (complete restructure)
- Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
Final Thoughts: What Practices Should Do Now
The 2026 CPT updates introduce both opportunities and risks. Practices and billing teams should:
- Update charge masters and coding tools
- Retrain coders on revised and deleted codes
- Review documentation workflows
- Monitor payer adoption timelines
Early preparation will help reduce denials, ensure compliance, and protect revenue in 2026.