Overview

• The 2026 CPT update includes 418 changes—288 additions, 84 deletions and 46 revisions—broadening how clinicians document technology-enabled care.
• New remote monitoring codes capture two to 15 days of data within 30 days and allow treatment management billing after 10 minutes per month.
• Health AI additions include AI-augmented coronary plaque assessment, perivascular fat analysis for cardiac risk, multispectral burn imaging and detection of cardiac dysfunction.
• Proprietary laboratory analyses and Category III emerging services each account for 27% of the new codes, with Category I entries effective Jan. 1, 2026.
• CMS signaled reduced reliance on AMA’s RUC surveys for Medicare rate setting, drawing public criticism from AMA President Bobby Mukkamala.