2026 PCI Codes for Interventional Cardiology-2026 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Codes for Interventional Cardiology

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar detailed significant updates and coding changes planned for interventional cardiology procedures effective January 1, 2026, focusing on PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) coding. Dr. Jim Blankenship introduced the collaborative efforts of SCAI and ACC over the past decade to refine the coding system, emphasizing the strategic advocacy that led to new codes amidst prior challenges of downvaluation. Monica Wright explained critical alterations to existing codes: notably, branch add-on codes were deleted and base codes were expanded to include all work within a single major coronary artery and its branches, allowing multiple uses per patient. The two new codes introduced are 92928 for non-complex PCI involving one lesion and one or more stents across one or multiple segments, and 92930 for complex PCI defined by either bifurcation lesions or two or more separate stented lesions within one major artery. The webinar clarified coding conventions, stressing that separate lesions need to be geographically distinct and that intervention on separate major coronary arteries is coded separately. Dr. Andrew Goldschweig illustrated practical case scenarios to demonstrate appropriate coding for these scenarios, while Dr. Afnan Tariq discussed newly codified CTO (chronic total occlusion) interventions, introducing code 92945 for combined antegrade and retrograde approaches. The panel addressed billing modifiers, multiple procedure rules, and commonly arising questions such as how to code interventions involving balloon angioplasty and stenting within the same artery. They also previewed future webinars on peripheral artery revascularization and encouraged membership in SCAI for ongoing advocacy. Overall, the session equipped clinicians and coders with detailed insights into applying new PCI codes accurately to enhance documentation, reimbursement, and compliance in interventional cardiology.

Keywords

interventional cardiology

PCI coding

SCAI and ACC collaboration

code 92928

code 92930

branch add-on codes deletion

complex PCI

CTO interventions

billing modifiers

multiple procedure rules