The blog post “Key Radiology CPT Code Revisions to Expect in 2026” outlines critical updates coming in the CPT code set for radiology, emphasizing how changes will impact billing, reimbursement, and compliance. Among the highlights are newly introduced MRI safety codes for patients with implanted devices, Category I codes for AI tools in imaging tasks (such as lung nodule detection and mammogram comparison), and expanded interventional radiology codes (including liver tumor ablation and genicular nerve ablation). Also covered are refined descriptors for vascular ultrasound studies, updated nuclear medicine CPTs, deletion or consolidation of some low-volume or outdated plain film and bone density codes, and adjustments in Medicare’s RVUs and payment policies. The post emphasizes documentation best practices and tips to avoid denials if using the new codes properly.
This article serves as an essential guide for radiology coders, administrators, and billing professionals preparing for the CPT code changes effective in 2026. It begins by stressing why these updates matter — due to evolving technologies (especially AI), safety considerations (such as MRI with implanted devices), and the financial implications of RVU changes and payer policies.
Key updates include:
MRI Safety & Device Management Codes: New CPT codes differentiate simple device checks, complex reprogramming, and physicist consultations for implanted medical devices. Time-based elements are introduced, meaning documentation must clearly record durations and who performed each task.
AI-Assisted Imaging Moves to Category I: Tasks like lung-nodule detection on CT, stroke-sign-flagging on brain scans, and automated mammogram comparisons are now in Category I (from Category III), with assigned RVUs. Coders will need to document how AI outputs were used.
Interventional Radiology Additions: New codes for liver tumor ablation are introduced, with distinctions based on number of tumors and imaging guidance (CT, MRI, ultrasound). Also, genicular nerve ablation (for chronic knee pain) becomes Category I, which helps with more precise outpatient reporting.
Changes in Vascular Ultrasound & Nuclear Medicine: More precise descriptors for duplex scans of extremity veins, clarifications in repeat study billing. PET myocardial perfusion imaging gets new protocol-specific codes; rules around tracer supply vs. technical components are clarified.
Further, some older or rarely used codes (e.g. outdated plain film studies, legacy bone density codes) are being deleted or consolidated; Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule sees modest conversion factor increases and new prior authorization or appropriate use criteria for high cost imaging; documentation requirements and bundling edits will require extra care.
To prepare, practices are advised to train staff on the new definitions and documentation, update EHR templates, audit high-volume codes for bundling and denial risk, and keep abreast of payer bulletins. This ensures adherence to new rules, reduces denials, and helps secure proper reimbursement.