The release of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) 2026 code set marks another significant shift in the language of healthcare. As medicine advances, so must the codes that describe it. For organizations managing provider data, claims processing, and revenue cycles, staying ahead of these changes is not just a compliance requirement — it is critical for operational efficiency. This year’s release reflects the industry’s continued focus on digital health, minimally invasive procedures, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical workflows. Here is a breakdown of the changes:
- 288 new codes added
- 84 codes deleted
- 46 codes revised
Managing these updates manually can be a daunting enterprise, but understanding the key areas of impact is the first step toward readiness.
2026 CPT code changes: High-impact areas to watch
The 2026 code set introduces changes across several high-impact areas. From remote monitoring to complex surgeries, these updates aim to capture the nuance of modern medical delivery.
Digital health and remote monitoring
Digital health continues to expand, and the 2026 updates provide more granular options for reporting these services. New codes now allow for reporting remote monitoring over shorter durations (2–15 days within a 30-day period), acknowledging that effective monitoring does not always require a full month of data. Additionally, code descriptors for remote physiologic monitoring (99453, 99454) have been revised, and new codes (99445, 99470) have been added to cover device supply and initial treatment management.
AI (AI) and assistive analytics
Recognizing the growing role of technology in diagnosis, the new code set includes Category I codes for AI-driven services. These codes cover augmentative software analysis for conditions such as coronary atherosclerotic plaque assessment, perivascular fat analysis for cardiac risk, and multispectral imaging for burn wounds. These additions validate AI as a standard tool in clinical decision-making. For a deeper dive intoAI-driven medical coding and healthcare informatics, explore how AI is transforming data management in healthcare.
Surgery: Lower extremity revascularization
One of the most significant structural changes this year is the comprehensive rebuild of the lower extremity revascularization section. The AMA has deleted previous codes and replaced them with 46 territory-based codes (37254–37299). This new framework categorizes interventions by four vascular regions — iliac, femoral/popliteal, tibial/peroneal, and inframalleolar — and distinguishes between straightforward and complex lesions.
Surgery: Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion
The coding for SI joint fusion has been refined to better reflect current surgical techniques. Revisions to codes 27278 and 27279 clarify the distinction between intra-articular and transarticular device placement. Specifically, code 27279 now requires the device to pierce the cortices of the ilium and sacrum, ensuring that coding aligns accurately with the specific type of implant and procedural technique used.
Hearing device services
The section for hearing device services has been overhauled with a modern, time-based framework. Long-standing codes have been replaced by a new family of 12 codes (92628–92642) that cover the full care pathway, including candidacy evaluation, device selection, fitting, and follow-up. This change acknowledges the complexity and time intensity of providing comprehensive audiology care.
