2026 Coding Debrief: Lessons, Questions, and Next Steps-2026 PCI CPT Code Set Changes

2026 PCI CPT Code Set Changes

Pdf Summary

The 2026 CPT code set for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has undergone significant updates, primarily to streamline coding for interventions on major coronary arteries and their branches. Key changes include consolidating work performed on a single major coronary artery and its branches into base codes, leading to the deletion of additional branch add-on codes. A new code, 92930, now accommodates placement of two or more stents in the same major artery or bifurcation lesions. Another new code, 92945, captures the CTO (chronic total occlusion) retrograde approach, expanding the coding options for complex CTO interventions.<br /><br />Several codes were deleted, such as 92921, 92925, 92929, 92934, 92938, 92944 related to additional branches, and thrombolysis codes 92975 and 92977. Code descriptors for 93571 and 93572 were updated to specify “pharmacologically induced stress” when performed.<br /><br />Definitions were clarified, adopting the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI paradigm. Major coronary arteries include the left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, right, and ramus intermedius arteries. Recognized branches for reporting purposes are limited to two branches each of specific arteries (e.g., diagonals for left anterior descending). Chronic total occlusion is defined by lack of antegrade flow and supporting angiographic/clinical criteria.<br /><br />The revised code list outlines codes for angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, and revascularization procedures on single vessels and bypass grafts, specifying combinations of these therapies. Mechanical aspiration thrombectomy (92973) remains a separate add-on code. Overall, the changes simplify coding, improve clarity, and better capture multi-stent and advanced CTO procedures.<br /><br />This update is informed by the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT 2026 Professional Edition and reflects consensus guidance from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), intended as a general coding reference rather than legal or clinical advice.

Keywords

2026 CPT code update

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

PCI coding changes

major coronary arteries

stent placement code 92930

CTO retrograde approach 92945

deleted CPT codes

NCDR CathPCI definitions

angioplasty and atherectomy codes

SCAI and AMA coding guidance