2026 Lower Extremity Revascularization Codes for Interventional Cardiology, Part 1-2026 Lower Extremity Revascularization Codes for Interventional Cardiology, Part 1

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The 2026 lower extremity revascularization coding webinar highlighted significant changes in CPT codes, replacing all 2025 codes with 45 new ones across four vascular territories: iliac, femoral-popliteal, tibial, and inframalleolar. These changes, primarily led by the Society for Vascular Surgery with collaboration from multiple societies, categorize procedures as straightforward (stenosis) or complex (occlusion), with coding based per vessel, not per lesion. Iliac territory includes three vessels with base and add-on codes, plus lithotripsy, while femoral-popliteal territory treats common femoral/profundal and superficial femoral/popliteal as two coding vessels, also with detailed base and add-on codes including atherectomy. Documentation must be meticulous to differentiate straightforward versus complex cases accurately, as billing relies heavily on precise language to avoid denials or delays. Diagnostic angiography coding remains unchanged, and unsuccessful interventions without lesion crossing are not billable as procedures. The new coding bundles related services (angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy) and includes intravascular lithotripsy codes. Payment analyses suggest potential revenue increases due to better complexity capture but forewarn challenges in implementation and insurance adjudication. Educational support and further webinars will continue through 2026 to clarify below-the-knee codes and address ongoing questions, helping providers adapt to this major coding overhaul.

Keywords

2026 lower extremity revascularization

CPT code changes

iliac vascular territory

femoral-popliteal coding

tibial and inframalleolar

Society for Vascular Surgery

straightforward vs complex procedures

coding per vessel

intravascular lithotripsy codes