200+ New CPT Codes for 2026: Embracing Digital Health, AI, and Innovative Patient Care

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The 2026 update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set introduces 288 new codes, reflecting the latest advancements in medicine, technology, and patient-centered care. These updates ensure that coding keeps pace with evolving clinical practices, cutting-edge diagnostics, and emerging digital health solutions.

CPT 2026: Scope of Changes

The CPT Editorial Panel—an independent body representing a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals, government stakeholders, and industry experts—approved 418 total changes in the 2026 code set. These changes include:

• 288 new codes
• 84 deletions
• 46 revisions

The new codes cover a variety of specialties and services, including digital health, AI-assisted diagnostics, hearing device services, and leg revascularization procedures.

Driving Innovation: Emerging and Proprietary Services

The CPT code set continues to evolve in response to advances in medical science and technology:

• Proprietary laboratory analyses account for 27% of the new codes, reflecting the growing role of precision diagnostics.
• Category III codes for emerging services also make up 27%, supporting innovative procedures that may become standard care in the future.

Category I codes, which represent fully established services, are effective January 1, 2026, giving providers clear guidance on reporting these new services.

Expanding Digital Health and Remote Monitoring

Technology now allows clinicians to collect and analyze patient data outside traditional clinical settings, improving chronic disease management and early intervention. Key updates include:

• Five new codes for remote patient monitoring over short periods (2–15 days within a 30-day period), reflecting clinical evidence supporting the benefit of brief monitoring intervals.
• Two new codes for remote monitoring treatment management after 10 minutes of service per month, down from the previous 20-minute requirement.

These changes make it easier for clinicians to capture and bill for remote care, increasing patient access and supporting proactive management of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

CPT Codes for AI-Assisted Services

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being codified in healthcare, enhancing clinicians’ ability to detect, quantify, and interpret patient data. Several new CPT codes support AI-driven analysis that complements physician expertise:

Examples include:

• Coronary atherosclerotic plaque assessment: AI-assisted evaluation of coronary CT angiography data to assess disease severity.
• Perivascular fat analysis for cardiac risk: Noninvasive AI assessment of cardiac risk, with or without concurrent CT imaging.
• Multispectral imaging for burn wounds: Algorithmic classification of burn healing to guide treatment decisions.
• Detection of cardiac dysfunction: AI-assisted analysis of acoustic and ECG data to identify conditions such as atrial fibrillation, murmurs, or reduced ejection fraction.

These codes facilitate reimbursement for innovative services that improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient care.

Advancing Hearing Device Services

Twelve new codes have been added to support patient-centered hearing device care, addressing areas such as:

• Assessing visual, dexterity, and psychosocial factors influencing device use
• Validating device performance and sound quality
• Providing patient training and support using personal devices, such as smartphones, to optimize hearing device functionality

This reflects a shift toward more comprehensive, individualized patient care, beyond the device fitting itself.

Modernizing Leg Revascularization Codes

A major update to leg revascularization codes introduces 46 new codes to replace outdated ones. Key features include:

• Reflecting technological advancements and improved procedural techniques
• Supporting the shift to outpatient care and less invasive approaches
• Enhancing access to therapies that improve mobility and functional status, especially for patients with persistent pain, cramping, or fatigue

The revised codes aim to better capture modern clinical practice and improve reporting for these vital procedures.

Behavioral Health Services: Telehealth Recognition

Behavioral health services continue to benefit from telehealth integration. Several codes have been added to CPT appendices P and T, formally recognizing audio-video or audio-only delivery of services that correlate with in-person care.

This expansion improves access for rural, underserved, and vulnerable populations, while supporting flexible delivery models that help overcome barriers to mental health care.

Why These Updates Matter

The CPT 2026 code set reflects the rapid evolution of medicine and underscores the need for accurate coding practices to capture the complexity of modern healthcare. From AI-assisted diagnostics to short-term remote monitoring, these updates help providers:

• Receive proper reimbursement for innovative care
• Document advanced services accurately
• Expand access to patients through technology-enabled care

Staying Ahead with CPT 2026: Expert Coding Support

Navigating 288 new CPT codes alongside deletions and revisions can be a daunting task for any practice. Accurate coding is more than just compliance—it directly impacts reimbursement, operational efficiency, and patient care quality. With new codes covering digital health, AI-assisted diagnostics, hearing services, leg revascularization, and telehealth, it’s essential for practices to have expert guidance to ensure every service is reported correctly.

This is where specialized medical coding services and revenue cycle management services can make a significant difference. By partnering with a professional coding team, your practice can:

• Stay up to date with all CPT 2026 updates and apply new codes accurately
• Maximize reimbursement for innovative services like remote monitoring, AI-assisted diagnostics, and hearing device management
• Reduce claim denials and audit risks by ensuring documentation meets payer requirements
• Streamline operations so your staff can focus on patient care, not coding challenges

Our team of certified medical coders is trained across multiple specialties and keeps pace with the latest CPT changes, ensuring your practice captures every eligible service efficiently. Whether your practice is implementing new telehealth solutions, adopting AI diagnostics, or expanding outpatient services, our coding expertise helps you translate clinical innovation into accurate billing and revenue growth.

Partner with us to simplify CPT 2026 compliance, improve revenue capture, and focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care to your patients.