2026 PCI Codes for Interventional Cardiology-Monica Wright slides

Monica Wright slides

Pdf Summary

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) summarizes significant 2026 CPT code changes for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Major updates include consolidation of codes to cover all work performed within a single major coronary artery and its branches, with prior branch-specific codes deleted. Codes can be used multiple times for different arteries. Two new codes address multiple stent reporting and retrograde chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions.<br /><br />Key coding principles emphasize using one code per major artery and branching system, separately coding bypass graft work, and distinguishing between lesions in separate arteries. Codes 92928 and 92930 report stenting: 92928 for a single lesion regardless of stents or segments treated, and 92930 for bifurcation lesions or two or more distinct lesions requiring multiple stents. CTO is coded with 92943 (antegrade approach) and the new 92945 (combined antegrade and retrograde approach).<br /><br />PCI codes now universally include vessel access, catheterization, lesion traversal, radiologic supervision, closure, distal embolic protection, and imaging for completion. Distinct lesions are geographically separated sections, possibly spanning multiple segments or branches.<br /><br />Definitions clarify major coronary arteries (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, right, ramus intermedius), their branches, coronary segments per NCDR standards, and bypass grafts—each graft counts as a major vessel. CTO is defined by absent antegrade flow and characteristic angiographic features.<br /><br />Several older codes for additional branches or graft interventions, as well as thrombolysis codes, have been deleted. Minor changes apply to aspiration thrombectomy and intravascular Doppler measurement codes.<br /><br />These revisions aim to simplify reporting, accommodate complex interventions like bifurcations and CTOs, and better reflect current PCI practice. Users are advised to consult legal and professional resources for case-specific coding decisions.

Keywords

SCAI

2026 CPT code changes

percutaneous coronary interventions

PCI coding

major coronary artery

stent reporting

chronic total occlusion

bifurcation lesions

bypass graft coding

PCI procedure components