CPT 2026 Changes

Quick Summary:
The CPT® 2026 code set introduces 288 new codes, along with numerous revisions and deletions, reflecting advances in medical technology, surgical techniques, and remote monitoring. Key updates affect Evaluation & Management (E/M), Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM), Surgery (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory), and emerging digital health services.

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Major Highlights of CPT 2026 Updates

1. Evaluation & Management (E/M)

• Expanded guidelines for telehealth and hybrid visits.
• Clarifications on split/shared services to improve compliance.
• Streamlined documentation requirements to reduce administrative burden.

2. Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM)

• New codes for RPM treatment management services.
• Revised descriptors to better capture continuous data collection and clinical decision-making.
• Focus on reimbursement alignment with digital health adoption.

3. Surgery Section

• Musculoskeletal System:
  • New codes for limb lengthening procedures.
  • Revised codes for sacroiliac joint arthrodesis.
• Integumentary System: Updates for advanced wound care techniques.
• Respiratory System: New codes for minimally invasive airway procedures.
• Cardiovascular System: Expanded coding for endovascular and thoracic interventions.

4. Deleted Codes

• Removal of outdated or redundant codes to streamline reporting.
• Consolidation of overlapping procedures into broader, more flexible descriptors.

5. Digital Health & Emerging Services

• New codes supporting AI-assisted diagnostics and wearable device integration.
• Recognition of virtual care pathways as mainstream reimbursable services.

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Snapshot of Changes

Category	New Codes	Revised Codes	Deleted Codes	Key Focus Area
Evaluation & Management	Several	Multiple	Few	Telehealth, shared services
Remote Monitoring (RPM)	Multiple	Yes	None	Digital health, treatment mgmt
Musculoskeletal Surgery	New limb lengthening	Sacroiliac arthrodesis	Some	Advanced orthopedic care
Cardiovascular Surgery	Expanded	Yes	Few	Endovascular, thoracic
Respiratory Surgery	New	Yes	Few	Minimally invasive airway
Digital Health Services	New	N/A	N/A	AI, wearables, virtual care

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Compliance & Revenue Impact

• Coders and billers must update systems to reflect new descriptors and deleted codes.
• Documentation practices should align with clarified E/M and RPM requirements.
• Revenue protection depends on early adoption of updated coding standards.
• Training and audits are recommended to ensure smooth transition and reduce compliance risks.

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In essence: CPT® 2026 modernizes coding to keep pace with digital health, minimally invasive surgery, and evolving care delivery models, while eliminating redundancies to improve efficiency.

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