The American Medical Association (AMA) updates the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set annually. These codes form the universal language used by healthcare providers, payers, coders, and auditors to describe, document, bill and analyse medical, surgical and diagnostic services.

The 2026 update is particularly significant. The 2026 CPT code set will include 288 new codes, 84 deletions, and 46 revisions, totalling 418 code-set changes. 

These 2026 CPT code changes reflect major advances in digital health, remote monitoring, augmented-intelligence/AI services, hearing device services, and procedural innovations (for example leg revascularization). 

For practices (including chiropractic, physical therapy, outpatient clinics) these changes matter because:

• The codes you submit must reflect the correct procedure/service (new vs old descriptor).
• Payer acceptance may lag behind publication, you may need to track which payers accept which new codes.
• Documentation must match the new descriptors or risk denials.
• Systems (EHR, billing platforms) must be updated before Jan 1, 2026.

With that in mind, let’s break down the 2026 changes by category.

CPT Code Changes for 2026 by Category

Below are key categories and major changes you should know. Note: this is not a comprehensive list of every code changed (that would be hundreds); rather it highlights the major shifts and gives sample codes so you know where to dig further.

1. Digital health / Remote Monitoring / Telehealth

• The 2026 code set includes new short-duration remote monitoring codes: five codes to report remote monitoring services over 2–15 days within a 30-day period. And two new codes for remote monitoring treatment management after 10 minutes of service per calendar month (down from previous 20-minute threshold). 
• Example: The article notes the addition of codes for short duration remote monitoring. 

Telehealth: new codes in the 98000-98016 range (audio-video, hybrid visits) are noted as part of earlier 2025 changes, and the 2026 set builds on telehealth service granularity.

What to watch: If your practice uses remote devices (wearables, sensors) or video visits, you’ll need to identify which new codes apply and map current services to the correct new code or crosswalk from an old code.

2. Augmented Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Each year, the ICD-10 code set is updated. Staying up to date with the latest insurance billing 2025 updates is essential for acupuncturists to maintain compliance and streamline acupuncture insurance billing codes. If the updates are not available yet, we will provide them as soon as they are released by the appropriate organizations.

What to watch: Documentation must reflect the use of the AI service, the role of the algorithm, clinician oversight, etc. Even if you don’t perform those exact services, any advanced diagnostic/interpretive services in your practice may need review for alignment.

3. Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) / Diagnostic Testing

• PLA codes account for about 27% of new codes in the 2026 cycle. 
• Example: Deletion of codes 0450U & 0451U; addition of new codes 0575U–0599U in the PLA short descriptor list.

What to watch: If your practice orders or bills lab tests, confirm any new PLA codes, ensure labs are aware of the changes, verify payer acceptance, and update ordering/billing workflows.

4. Procedure-specific updates (e.g., Leg Revascularization, Vascular, Imaging)

• One major procedure change: a comprehensive update of leg revascularization codes, with deletion of prior codes and addition of 46 new codes to reflect technological advances and outpatient settings. 
• Radiology/imaging: Anticipated new and revised CPT Category I codes for CTA of head/neck, cerebral perfusion CT, IRE, prostate biopsy, LE vascular procedures, etc. 

What to watch: If your practice interacts with vascular, imaging or interventional services, ensure you identify which legacy codes are retired and which new codes replace them. If you bill for imaging or refer to imaging, check that your billing team is aware of the updates.

5. Hearing device & Audiology Services

12 new codes added in 2026 for hearing device services: including training/support for patients using personal devices connected to hearing devices, assessing psychosocial factors, verifying device performance. 

What to watch: If audiology or hearing‐aid support is part of your practice (or you refer patients), check whether these new codes affect your services or partnerships.

6. Deletions and Revisions

• As noted earlier: 84 codes deleted, 46 revised in 2026. 
• Example: Deletions in PLA codes list (0450U, 0451U) and addition of new PLA codes. 
• Revised descriptors: Many existing codes have descriptor tweaks, inclusion/exclusion note updates, bundling rule adjustments, you must compare old vs new descriptors.

What to watch: Don’t assume a code stays the same, check descriptor, guidelines, notes. Use the “changes” list in the CMS 2026 CPT code changes Professional Edition.

New/Removed CPT Codes

Acupuncturists treat a variety of conditions, requiring specific ICD-10 codes for accurate reimbursement. From musculoskeletal disorders to neurological conditions, understanding the most relevant acupuncture billing codes is essential for seamless claims processing and revenue cycle management.

Here are a few concrete examples to illustrate the changes (you’ll want to look up the full list in your CPT 2026 codebook or data file).

• New: Codes for short-duration remote monitoring (2-15 days within 30-day period), added in 2026. 
• New: Codes for AI-augmented services (e.g., coronary plaque assessment, perivascular fat analysis). 
• New: Hearing device codes (12 codes) for training/support and device performance. 
• Removed: 84 codes deleted in 2026 (in total), practice must check which ones affect them. 
• Modified: 46 codes revised in 2026, e.g., descriptor edits, bundling changes.

Steps to Master the CMS 2026 CPT Code Changes

Here’s a practical roadmap your practice can follow to ensure you’re ready for Jan 1, 2026.

1. Obtain the full CPT 2026 data set

• Acquire the CPT 2026 Professional Edition or the CPT Standard Data File from AMA. 
• Get the document listing all additions, deletions and revisions.

2. Perform a gap-analysis

• Compare your top 50 most‐used codes this year with the 2026 changes list.
• Highlight codes you use that are deleted, revised or replaced.

3. Create a crosswalk for changed/removed codes

• For each deleted or revised code, map to the new/revised code you will use starting Jan 1.
• Document transition rules, payer guidance, effective dates.

4. Update billing/EHR systems

• Load the updated CPT file into your EHR/billing software.
• Update claim-edit rules, bundling logic, and other automated checks for new codes.
• Test claims using the new codes with your major payers (or in “sandbox” mode) ahead of time.

5. Train your team (providers, coders, billing staff)

Provide focused training on:

• • The major changes (digital health, AI, PLA, etc)
  • New codes your practice will use
  • Documentation requirements (especially for AI/remote monitoring).
  • Create a quick-reference cheat sheet of “top 10 change codes” relevant to your practice.

6. Update documentation templates and workflows

• Modify encounter notes/templates to capture any new required info (e.g., device supply, days of monitoring, AI tool/version).
• Ensure consent and modality capture for telehealth/new remote services.

7. Monitor payer adoption and denials

• Build a payer matrix: payer vs new code acceptance, denial patterns.
• Track first-quarter claims for new codes and analyse denials/appeals.

8. Audit and refine

• After the first 90 days, perform internal audits of charts and claims involving new/changed codes.
• Identify trends of misuse or documentation gaps and retrain the team accordingly.

9. Communicate to patients (if applicable)

• If new services or codes change patient-facing processes (remote monitoring, device supply, telehealth visit types), update patient consent and financial policy.

10. Stay current

• Subscribe to AMA CPT® News and monitor CPT Editorial Panel announcements for mid-year updates. 

Summary

The new CPT codes for 2026 mark a significant step. With nearly 300 new codes and many revisions/deletions, it shows how healthcare is evolving (remote services, AI, diagnostics). For your practice:

• Prioritize the major change areas (remote monitoring, telehealth, AI, lab testing)
• Update your systems, documents and training now (not later)
• Crosswalk older codes to new ones, and watch payer adoption closely
• Build internal workflows for the first few months of 2026 to catch and correct denials early

How zHealth Billing Software Helps Practices Stay CPT-Ready

zHealth billing software is built specifically for wellness practices – chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapy clinics – to stay fully compliant and profitable amid annual CPT changes.

Here’s how it supports CPT 2026 updates:

• Automatic CPT Code Library Updates: Instantly syncs new, deleted, or revised AMA and CMS CPT codes.
• Auto-Populated CPT Codes Type in the first few letters or numbers of the code, and system auto-populates CPT codes.
• Built-in Compliance Alerts: Warns users about outdated codes or missing documentation for 2026 CPT updates.
• Smart Reports: Tracks top procedures, denials, and payer-specific adoption of new CPT codes.

With zHealth, wellness practices don’t have to chase new coding rules, they’re already built in.

Conclusion

The CPT 2026 code changes mark a turning point, reflecting healthcare’s digital, data-driven, and AI-assisted future. Whether you manage telehealth sessions, perform chiropractic manipulations, or use remote monitoring tools, staying on top of the CPT updates for medical billing is key to protecting your revenue and compliance.

By combining this Step-by-Step CPT 2026 Cheat Sheet with the automation and intelligence of zHealth billing software, your practice will stay ahead, coding accurately, billing efficiently, and getting paid faster.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the key CPT code changes for 2026 that wellness providers should know?

A1: The 2026 CPT update introduces 418 total code-set changes including 288 new codes, 84 deletions, and 46 revisions that directly impact wellness, chiropractic, and physical therapy practices by reflecting the shift toward digital health and advanced diagnostics.

The key change areas you must prioritize that includes:

• Digital Health/Remote Monitoring: New codes for short-term monitoring (2–15 days) and revised management codes requiring only 10 minutes of provider time per month.
  
• Augmented Intelligence (AI) Services: New AI service codes for smarter decision-making, like algorithm-based imaging analysis.
  
• Hearing Device Services: New AI service codes for smarter decision-making, like algorithm-based imaging analysis.

12 new codes for patient-centered services like device verification, training, and psychosocial assessments.

Q2: What are the major deletions and revisions in the CPT 2026 update?

A2: The AMA has deleted 84 codes and revised 46 to align with new technologies and eliminate outdated descriptors.

Key deletions include several Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) codes like 0450U and 0451U.

Q3: Why did the AMA introduce new CPT codes for 2026?

A3: Each year, the AMA updates the CPT code set to ensure it reflects modern healthcare practices and emerging technology trends.

The 2026 updates emphasize:

• AI and digital health integration into clinical care.
• Shorter, flexible remote monitoring options.
• More detailed procedural descriptions to improve billing accuracy.

In short, the codes ensure the billing system keeps pace with how modern healthcare is delivered, becoming more digital, data-driven, and specialized.

Q4: What’s the best way to train my staff for CPT 2026 changes?

A4: Start by identifying your top 50 most-used CPT codes and see which ones are affected in 2026.
Then:

a. Create a crosswalk chart of deleted, revised, and new codes.

b. Host short team sessions explaining the major changes relevant to your services (e.g., remote monitoring, telehealth).

c. Update your EHR templates and billing workflows to reflect new descriptors.

d. Use quick-reference guides (like zHealth’s built-in cheat sheet) to reinforce correct coding during daily operations.

Regular, role-based training ensures your entire staff codes confidently and keeps claim denials to a minimum.

Q5: How can zHealth software help my clinic stay CPT-compliant in 2026?

A5: zHealth is designed for wellness providers who want to stay compliant and profitable through every code cycle.

Here’s how it simplifies CPT 2026 compliance:

• Automatic CPT Code Library Updates — all new, deleted, or revised codes sync automatically.
• Smart Auto-Populate Feature — start typing, and the correct CPT codes appear instantly.
• Built-in Compliance Alerts — warn you if you’re using outdated or deleted codes.
• Analytics Dashboard — track payer adoption, denials, and procedure trends post-2026 rollout.

With zHealth, your clinic doesn’t have to worry about chasing coding change. The system keeps your clinic compliant and running smoothly.

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