The Pathology & Laboratory section of the 2026 CPT code set received a notable set of changes, reflecting rapid advances in molecular diagnostics, genomics, and lab testing technologies — particularly in areas where traditional codes were insufficient. In total, the 2026 updates include approximately 7 new codes and 2 revised codes in this section, with no deletions in the standard pathology/lab block for the core CPT Clinical Laboratory services. Health Catalyst
Pathology & Laboratory codes (range 80000–89398) describe services to evaluate specimens — blood, body fluid, tissue — to support physician diagnosis and treatment plans. These codes cover chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, surgical pathology, cytogenetics, molecular pathology, and more. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
🆕 New Pathology & Laboratory CPT® Codes (2026)
1. New Molecular Diagnostics & Genomic Analysis Codes
The 2026 code set continues to expand molecular and genomic testing reporting, capturing state-of-the-art technologies that have become increasingly routine in pathology practice:
New CPT code 81354 — Genome-wide cytogenomic analysis using optical genome mapping (OGM) for detection of structural and copy number variants (e.g., constitutional genetic disorders). This code reflects a major step in cytogenomic diagnostics now recognized as a Category I service, replacing legacy PLA codes or less precise molecular codes. AAPC+1
Additional new codes include CPT code 81524 — DNA methylation profiling for central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This coding recognizes comprehensive epigenomic approaches to tumor classification that drive therapy decisions in neuro-oncology. Medical Coding Jobs
These molecular and genome-level assays bring much greater specificity to genetic testing and tumor profiling when compared to older tiered molecular pathology codes — meaning coders must be attentive to clinical documentation that specifies platform, method, and clinical intent for proper code selection.
2. Expanded Microbiology & Precision Testing
Although full descriptors are not publicly accessible outside the CPT Profession Codebook, reported changes include new codes in microbiology and infectious disease testing, such as expanded panels that detect pathogens and resistance markers that were previously captured only by broad PLA or unlisted test codes. Medical Coding Jobs
Labs that provide services for complex pathogen identification, antimicrobial resistance profiling, or multi-target assays will need to map their tests to the appropriate 2026 CPT line items and update lab manuals, interfaces, and claim logic accordingly.
🔁 Revised Pathology & Laboratory Codes (2026)
Two classification changes were made to existing pathology/lab codes to reflect expanded scope or updated methodologies:
Certain molecular pathology and DNA analysis codes have descriptor adjustments to include newer analytic techniques or clarify reporting instructions. This helps reduce ambiguity when labs perform tests that combine multiple technologies. Health Catalyst
Revisions also refine terminology, ensuring that modern genomic and advanced diagnostic methods are appropriately distinguished from legacy approaches. This is critically important for compliance and reimbursement, as documentation must explicitly support the level of service performed.
❌ Deleted Pathology & Laboratory CPT Codes (2026)
Unlike some other CPT sections (e.g., Medicine or Surgery), the standard Pathology & Laboratory section (80000–89398) did not have deletions in the core CPT 2026 updates — meaning no CPT codes in the main lab series were removed as of January 1, 2026. Health Catalyst
However, it’s important to note that the Proprietary Laboratory Analysis (PLA) codes, which sit alongside Pathology & Lab, are undergoing changes:
Many PLA codes were added, deleted, or revised in 2025–2026 cycles to reflect lab-developed tests and proprietary algorithms for genomic panels and multi-analyte assays. Coders must track these updates separately, as many PLA code changes (e.g., 0600U–0613U new, 0033U deleted) impact reporting for novel assays and infectious disease testing. American Medical Coding
