You’ll find a fresh batch of CPT codes that you can begin reporting on Jan. 1, 2026, with 288 new codes coming online, including two new E/M codes covering remote physiologic monitoring (RPM). The code update, announced with the release of
the 2026 CPT Manual, also includes 46 revised code descriptors and 84 deleted codes.
The 2026 code update adds depth to the RPM portion of the E/M chapter. The two new codes are:
- 99445: Remote monitoring of physiologic parameter(s) (eg, weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow rate); device(s) supply with daily recording(s) or programmed alert(s) transmission, 2-15 days in a 30-day period
- 99470: Remote physiologic monitoring treatment management services, clinical staff/physician/other qualified health care professional time in a calendar month requiring 1 real-time interactive communication with the patient/caregiver during the calendar month; first 10 minutes
Code 99445 builds off of code 99453, the descriptor of which was slightly revised to read: “Remote monitoring of physiologic parameter(s) (eg, weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow rate); initial; set-up and patient education on use of equipment.”
The codes’ shorter time periods will expand revenue opportunities for practices, but providers should note that the treatment codes will require at least one real-time, interactive communication with patients per calendar month. That means an email exchange won’t suffice.
As part of the RPM changes, the descriptor for code 99470 was revised as follows:
Remote monitoring of physiologic parameter(s) (eg, weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow rate); device(s) supply with daily recording(s) or programmed alert(s) transmission, 16-30 days in a 30-day period each 30 days
“Newly added codes respond to the continued emergence of technology allowing health care providers to collect and analyze patients’ health care data and use that data to monitor and manage their patients’ acute and chronic conditions outside of a traditional clinical setting,” the AMA stated in a press release about the new code set. “Importantly, a growing body of clinical research has demonstrated patient benefits from remote monitoring over shorter durations than were previously captured in the CPT code set.”
The new code set includes corresponding changes to remote monitoring codes for musculoskeletal, respiratory and cognitive behavioral health treatment in the Medicine chapter.
New surgical codes describe technological advancements
You’ll find two new codes for implant of limb-lengthening devices in the thigh and lower leg added to the musculoskeletal surgery section of the 2026 CPT Manual.
- 27458: Osteotomy(ies), femur, unilateral, with insertion of an externally controlled intramedullary lengthening device, including iliotibial band release when performed, imaging, alignment assessments, computations of adjustment schedules, and management of the intramedullary lengthening device
- 27713: Osteotomy(ies), tibia, including fibula when performed, unilateral, with insertion of an externally controlled intramedullary lengthening device, including imaging, alignment assessments, computations of adjustment
Code 27468 ( … ; combined, lengthening and shortening with femoral segment transfer) is deleted effective Jan. 1.
Also deleted is code 27445 (Arthroplasty, knee, hinge prosthesis [eg, Walldius type]), which describes a procedure that is no longer widely performed.
The AMA continues efforts to clarify coding for the various percutaneous methods used to fuse the sacroiliac (SI) joints. The two codes for these procedures are revised once again, and new coding instructions added for them. “Code 27278 describes the placement of intra-articular devices that do not pierce the cortices of the ilium or sacrum," according to the new guidelines. "Code 27279 describes the placement of intra-articular and/or transarticular device(s) that pierce the lateral or medial cortices of the ilium and the lateral cortex of the sacrum. Use 27279 to report hybrid SI joint fusion that consists of placement of both intra-articular and transarticular devices, at least one of which pierces the cortices.”
In addition, the codes are revised to state:
- 27278: Arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, percutaneous, or minimally invasive, with image guidance, including includes obtaining bone graft when performed, unilateral placement of intra-articular implant(s) (eg, bone allograft[s], synthetic device[s]), without placement of transfixation device; placement of intra-articular device(s), without cortical piercing
- 27279: Arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, percutaneous or minimally invasive (indirect visualization), with image guidance, includes obtaining bone graft when performed, and placement of transfixation device; placement of transarticular device(s) and/or intra-articular device(s) piercing the lateral or medial cortices of the ilium and the lateral cortex of the sacrum
There also are dozens of changes within the 30000 series, mainly addressing lower extremity revascularization procedures. You will find more than 40 new codes covering revascularization services, ranging from 37254 to 37299.
“The update reflects technological advancements and evolving care delivery models, particularly the shift toward outpatient settings,” according to the AMA. “The revised codes aim to improve access to advanced therapies that enhance mobility and functional status, especially for patients with persistent symptoms, such as pain, cramping, and fatigue, who have not responded to other medical treatments like medication or structured exercise.”
The 55000 series introduces nine new prostate biopsy codes, ranging from 55707 (Biopsy, prostate, transrectal, ultrasound-guided [ie, sextant, ultrasound-localized discrete lesion(s)] to add-on code 55715 (Biopsy, prostate, each additional, MRI-ultrasound fusion or in-bore CT- or MRI-guided targeted lesion [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]).
These codes should be reported in place of 55700 (Biopsy, prostate; needle or punch, single or multiple, any approach), which will be deleted.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure codes will appear in the Nervous System chapter, replacing Category III code 0275T. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, codes 62330 (Decompression, percutaneous, with partial removal of the ligamentum flavum, including laminotomy for access, epidurography, and imaging guidance [ie, CT or fluoroscopy], bilateral; one interspace, lumbar) and add-on code 62331 ( … ; additional interspace[s], lumbar [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) will replace the Category III code.
In addition, a new add-on code, 63032, describes repair of spinal disc annular defect by implantation of a bone-anchored closure device. It is meant to be used with lumbar laminotomy decompression code 63030 and describes the repair in one interspace.
For treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, a new code, 64728 describes percutaneous decompression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel with intracarpal tunnel balloon dilation, including ultrasound guidance.
The Radiology chapter of the manual brings eight new codes, several revised codes and nine deletions. The new codes include the following three computed tomography (CT) services:
- 70471: Computed tomographic angiography (CTA), head and neck, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, when performed, and image postprocessing
- 70472: Computed tomographic (CT) cerebral perfusion analysis with contrast material(s), including image postprocessing performed with concurrent CT or CT angiography of the same anatomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
- 70473: Computed tomographic (CT) cerebral perfusion analysis with contrast material(s), including image postprocessing performed without concurrent CT or CT angiography of the same anatomy
Stay tuned to Part B News for additional reporting on the CPT code set.
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