2026 PCI Codes for Interventional Cardiology-2026 PCI CPT Code Set Changes

2026 PCI CPT Code Set Changes

Pdf Summary

The 2026 PCI CPT code set updates introduce several significant changes to coding for percutaneous coronary interventions, as detailed by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI).<br /><br />Key changes include consolidating all work performed within a single major coronary artery and its branches under base codes, eliminating additional branch add-on codes. A new code, 92930, accounts for placement of two or more stents within the same major artery or at bifurcation lesions. Another new code, 92945, is introduced for chronic total occlusion (CTO) cases utilizing combined antegrade and retrograde approaches. Codes 92975 and 92977 related to intracoronary thrombolysis have been deleted. The descriptors for codes 93571 and 93572 now specify the inclusion of pharmacologically induced stress when performed.<br /><br />Definitions have been clarified:<br />- Coronary segments correspond to portions of major coronary arteries and their branches, aligning with the NCDR CathPCI database.<br />- A coronary lesion spans from the proximal to distal ends and may involve multiple segments or extend into branches or bypass grafts.<br />- Major coronary arteries include left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, right, and ramus intermedius arteries; recognized branches include up to two branches from left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries.<br />- CTO is defined as no antegrade flow through the true lumen, with clinical and angiographic criteria such as bridging collaterals and calcification.<br /><br />Several existing codes have been revised for single major coronary artery and branch procedures, including angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, and revascularization through grafts, reflecting the simplified coding approach.<br /><br />Deleted codes primarily eliminate prior add-on or additional branch codes, streamlining reporting tied to single vessel or graft interventions.<br /><br />These updates aim to better capture complex PCI procedures, particularly for multistent placements and CTO techniques, while simplifying coding structure. Providers should refer to the AMA CPT 2026 Professional Edition and SCAI guidance for detailed application.

Keywords

2026 PCI CPT code updates

percutaneous coronary interventions

SCAI coding changes

major coronary artery coding

92930 stent placement code

92945 CTO code

intracoronary thrombolysis code deletion

pharmacologically induced stress codes

coronary artery definitions

simplified PCI coding