The 2026 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set, released by the American Medical Association (AMA), represents one of the most substantial updates in years. Not just in code count, but in the clinical and operational shifts they reflect. The code set includes 418 total changes – encompassing 288 new codes, 84 deletions, and 46 revisions – that span digital health, AI-augmented services, cardiology, vascular care, and other emerging areas that rely on accurate clinical documentation and consistent terminology.
For a deeper dive and to qualify for Continuing Education Units through AHIMA, watch our webinar replay, led by IMO Health coding experts June Bronnert, MHI, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P and Shelly L. Jude, RHIA, RHIT, HIT.
Pressed for time? Continue scrolling for seven key updates leaders must know as they prepare for implementation on January 1, 2026.
Cardiology & Vascular updates
Thoracic aorta endovascular repair updates
Thoracic aorta endovascular repair reporting was significantly revised for 2026. Code selection is now based on the most proximal extent of aortic coverage, rather than focusing only on the descending thoracic aorta. New and revised codes differentiate whether the left subclavian artery is covered and whether branched or fenestrated endograft systems are used. Several radiology supervision and interpretation services were deleted, as imaging and catheterization are now bundled into the primary procedures. Accurate anatomical documentation is essential to ensure correct code selection and reimbursement.
PCI guideline refinements and new complexity-based codes
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reporting now includes clearer definitions for major coronary arteries, branches, segments, and lesions. Revised descriptors clarify that a single lesion may span multiple segments or branches without qualifying as multiple reportable lesions. New codes were added for multiple distinct lesions, bifurcation lesions, and chronic total occlusion of PCI, including cases requiring both antegrade and retrograde approaches. A key guideline reinforces that only one base PCI code may be reported per major coronary artery, making lesion geography and procedural approach critical documentation elements.
Lower extremity revascularization redesign
Lower extremity endovascular revascularization underwent a complete structural redesign in 2026. Codes are now organized by vascular territory and stratified by lesion complexity and technology used. Many services — including access, imaging, and embolic protection — are bundled into the primary codes, while add-on codes allow reporting of additional vessels when appropriate. These changes simplify the code set but require clear identification of territory, lesion type, and intervention method at the point of care.
Radiology & Oncology
CT cerebral perfusion and CTA head/neck changes
CT cerebral perfusion imaging transitioned from a long-standing Category III code to new Category I codes in 2026. Perfusion imaging may now be bundled with CTA of the head and neck or reported separately, depending on timing. This update reflects widespread adoption in stroke care but introduces new bundling rules that impact charge capture if imaging workflows are not clearly defined.
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) becomes organ-specific
Percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE), previously reported with a single nonspecific code, now has organ-specific Category I codes for liver and prostate ablation. Other organs continue to be reported using a revised Category III code. This change signals increased clinical acceptance and requires more precise documentation of target organ and approach.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Hearing device and sleep apnea therapy updates
Hearing device services were modernized in 2026, replacing outdated codes that no longer reflected current technology or clinical workflows. New codes align reporting with contemporary hearing aid services, while Category III codes were added for fully implantable active middle ear hearing implants. In addition, new codes were introduced for Cryolysis therapy for sleep apnea, distinguishing treatment of the soft palate, base of tongue, and lingual tonsils.
Urology
Prostate procedure reporting updates
Multiple updates affect prostate procedures in 2026. New laparoscopic prostatectomy codes bundle lymph node dissection services that were previously reported separately. Prostate biopsy codes were extensively revised to distinguish approach and imaging method, reducing ambiguity but increasing documentation requirements. New and revised codes also address modern prostate ablation technologies, while several legacy codes were deleted.
Final thoughts
Coding accuracy starts long before a claim is submitted. As CPT codes become more anatomy-specific and services are more tightly bundled, gaps in documentation, laterality, and site of care decisions can quickly lead to denials or rework. Organizations that prepare early by educating teams, focusing on high impact service lines, and strengthening front end workflows will be better positioned to manage these changes when they take effect on January 1, 2026.
To learn more, check out the webinar replay:
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