Surgery

Accurate coding for pancreatic biopsies and surgical procedures is critical because pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious and complex conditions treated in healthcare today. It has the highest mortality rate among major cancers and is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, after lung and colon cancer. As … Read more

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 … Read more

CPT Category III codes are temporary alphanumeric codes (ending in “T”) that capture emerging medical technologies, procedures, services, and innovative paradigms that are not yet widespread enough to qualify for Category I designation. These codes allow clinicians and payers to collect utilization and outcomes data, which may eventually support conversion to permanent Category I codes. … Read more

The Medicine Section of the 2026 CPT code set undergoes substantial changes — with 37 new codes, 17 deletions, and 17 revisions — reflecting the evolution of preventive care, digital health, remote patient monitoring, therapeutic monitoring, audiology, and other emerging clinical services.Hiacode These updates are part of a broader 418-code revision cycle aimed at aligning … Read more

The 2026 CPT® code set brings a targeted set of updates to the Radiology Section, reflecting advancements in imaging modalities, procedural technologies, radiation oncology, and evolving clinical practice patterns. In 2026 there are eight new radiology codes, nine deletions, and three code revisions, all driven by the need to streamline reporting, enhance specificity, and retire … Read more

In the 2026 CPT code set, the American Medical Association (AMA) has enacted one of the most sweeping updates to cardiovascular procedural coding in years — completely redesigning the coding framework for both lower extremity revascularization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). These changes address the limitations of legacy codes, better align coding with current clinical … Read more

The Nervous System Surgery section of the 2026 CPT code set sees a meaningful expansion with 11 new codes and several revisions designed to reflect minimally invasive procedures, image-guided decompressions, advanced device surgeries, and neuromodulation systems — signaling the ongoing evolution of neurosurgery and peripheral nerve procedures. AGS Health 1. New Percutaneous Lumbar Decompression Codes … Read more

New Musculoskeletal Surgical Codes a) Osteotomy with Intramedullary Lengthening Devices One of the most notable additions in 2026 is a new CPT code for tibial osteotomy with insertion of an externally controlled intramedullary lengthening device: CPT 27713 — Osteotomy(ies), tibia (including fibula when performed), unilateral, with insertion of an externally controlled intramedullary lengthening device; including … Read more

The CPT® 2026 code set introduces some of the most significant cardiovascular surgery revisions in years, reflecting advances in interventional techniques, procedural complexity, and the need for clearer procedural classification. These updates affect lower extremity revasculariazation, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), thoracic aortic repairs, and coronary lesion reporting — all of which are high-volume in cardiovascular … Read more

Significant changes are coming to CPT® coding for minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion. As new implant designs and techniques have entered the market, coders have struggled to match procedures to the correct CPT® codes. After years of discussion, the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel finalized new guidance and revised descriptors at the May 2025 meeting, … Read more