Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026: New, Revised, and Deleted Codes Explained

Radiology CPT codes play an important role in claims processing, which ultimately leads to accurate reimbursements. If your biller, coder, or practice manager uses an outdated or wrong CPT code, then the insurer will reject your claim instantly.

That’s why you should always keep your practice and coding team updated on the latest CPT codes. Every year, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) and the AMA (American Medical Association) update CPT codes for every specialty, including radiology.

In today’s blog, we will guide you on updated radiology CPT billing codes for 2026, along with old and revised ones, so you’ll use the right one for claim submission and achieve a first-time claim acceptance rate.

Quick Overview of 2026 Radiology CPT Code Updates

The table below provides a quick overview of the most significant radiology CPT code updates introduced for 2026.

Radiology Category	2026 CPT Update	Status
Combined Head & Neck CTA	New bundled CPT code 70471 introduced for combined studies	New
CT Cerebral Perfusion (CTP)	Category III code 0042T replaced by Category I codes 70472–70473	New
Radiation Oncology	Treatment delivery codes restructured based on treatment complexity	Revised
Thoracic Branch Endograft	Multiple codes deleted, revised, and one new code introduced	Mixed

How Do Radiology CPT Code 2026 Updates Impact Billing & Reimbursements?

In the radiology billing process, coding is not just a part of it; it is a whole system through which insurers understand what procedures providers perform to treat patients. That’s why it matters most when it comes to CPT code updates.

Now, the question is how 2026 radiology CPT code updates impact billing and reimbursement. Without accurate CPT codes, practices can’t submit claims, or if they do, insurers may reject or deny them. Moreover, upcoding denials can occur, leading to fines, penalties, and other consequences that hurt practices’ revenue.

The AMA updates the CPT codes in the different radiology billing categories, effective January 1, 2026, including deletions and additions to new coding sets. Let’s review some of the most significant radiology CPT code updates for 2026 and how they affect billing and reimbursements.

Combined Head and Neck CTA

The American Medical Association (AMA) categorizes radiology procedure CPT codes into seven categories based on body part and procedure type.

The radiology procedures for the Head and Neck fall under diagnostic radiology (diagnostic imaging), which is also known as computed tomographic Angiography (CTA).

Here are the changes that occur in head and neck CTA CPT codes in 2026 by the CPT Editorial Panel (AMA).

Old CPT Codes used for CTA head and neck

70496 and 70498 were used often together, almost 75% of the time, for CTA head and neck, and that’s the reason the CPT Editorial Panel bundled these codes into new ones.

However, providers may continue to report these codes separately only when the head or neck CTA is performed independently and payer guidelines support separate reporting.

New CPT Codes used for CTA head and neck

The 70496 and 70498 were replaced by one CPT code 70471, used for the CTA angiography head and neck.

Always ensure to use 70471 when the CTA head and neck is performed together; avoid denials or rejections.

CT Cerebral Perfusion (CTP)

Cerebral perfusion (CTP) falls under diagnostic imaging procedures, analyzing cerebral (brain-related) perfusion with or without performing a concurrent CT or computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the same anatomy. This procedure helps providers check blood flow in the brain and make better clinical decisions for the patient’s health.

The following CPT changes occur in cerebral perfusion (CTP) in 2026 by the CPT Editorial Panel (AMA).

Deleted CPT Code used for Cerebral Perfusion CTP

The old 0042T CPT code was used for cerebral perfusion analysis (CTP) performed by the radiologist; however, this code doesn’t support how the perfusion analysis was performed, leading to denials from various payers.

New CPT Codes used for Cerebral Perfusion CTP

The AMA introduced two CPT codes, 70472 and 70473, in 2026 for cerebral perfusion analysis. CPT code 70472 is an add-on code for concurrent scans of the head/neck with a primary CT or CTA scan.

Use 70473 CPT code for cerebral perfusion analysis, without any concurrent primary CT or CTA scan of the head.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology is a procedure of high-radiation (X-rays or protons) used to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and relieve cancer-related symptoms.

In 2026, the AMA revised three codes based on their level of complexity, while deleting three codes entirely from the radiation oncology treatment delivery section. The reason behind erasing these three codes completely is to avoid overbilling and maintain accurate clinical documentation.

Here are the changes that occur in radiation oncology CPT codes in 2026 by the CPT Editorial Panel (AMA).

Deleted CPT Codes used for Radiation Oncology

CPT codes 77014, 77385, and 77386 were deleted from the radiation oncology treatment delivery section, and the procedures were combined into new CPT codes to ensure accurate reimbursements and avoid upcoding and overbilling issues.

New CPT Codes used for Radiation Oncology

Instead of using the previous radiation treatment delivery codes, coders should now report treatment delivery using CPT codes 77402, 77407, or 77412 based on treatment complexity.

77402 for level 1 radiation treatment means using a single-electron or single-isocenter two-dimensional (2D) photon therapy to treat a patient, along with imaging guidance (if applicable).

77407 for radiation therapy at level 2 complexity means using a three-dimensional 3D CRT or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to treat a patient, along with imaging guidance if performed.

77412 for radiation therapy at level 3 complexity, which indicates a total skin electron therapy or mixed electron/proton fields delivered to multiple isocenters to treat a patient, along with imaging guidance if performed.

Thoracic Branch Endograft

The AMA (American Medical Association) made a major change to thoracic branch endograft CPT codes, deleting multiple codes from this section. This change happened because, when a provider performs a thoracic branch endograft, an invasive surgical procedure repairs damage to the upper aorta (chest) while keeping blood flowing safely into branching vessels; they use two separate billing codes. One is used from the surgical section, while the other is used from the radiology section, as the live X-ray is also performed for safe stent placement.

Key coding changes for Thoracic Branch Endograft include;

Deleted CPT Codes used for Thoracic Branch Endograft

CPT codes 75956-75959, 33884, 33889, and 33891 are completely deleted from the radiology imaging codes, thoracic branch endograft, and carotid-subclavian bypass-related codes.

Revised CPT Codes for Thoracic Branch Endograft

The four primary codes were revised completely with new descriptions, including CPT code 33880, 33881, 33883, and 33886, and fall into the surgical CPT codes category.

33880 is used when the surgeon uses the tube during endograft that covers the left subclavian artery. 33881 for the same purpose, but it doesn’t cover the left subclavian artery.

33883 is used for the delayed placement of a proximal (top end) extension graft, while 33886 is used for a distal (bottom end) extension graft.

New CPT Codes used for Thoracic Branch Endograft

CPT code 33882 to repair a part of the thoracic aorta using a branch endovascular graft system, along with imaging guidance.

Use of Modifiers in Radiology Billing

Using modifiers before submitting claims is essential for accurate and fast reimbursements, when applicable. In radiology billing, use modifiers when the procedure is performed on the same date by the same physician, in the same encounter. There are various types of modifiers, and their usage is based on the circumstances.

Some of the common modifiers used in radiology billing;

Modifier 26: Use this only when the radiologist just checks the image and writes the interpretation to the patient, without any equipment or staff.

Modifier TC: Use it only when the equipment, supplies, and technical services are performed during patient care.

Modifier 50: Use this for identical diagnostic tests for the paired organs.

Modifier RT/LT: Only applicable when the modifier 50 isn’t used to indicate the exact side of the body where the procedure is done.

Radiology CPT Coding Mistakes You Should Avoid

If you’re a radiologist, a solo physician who performs radiology services, or a coder who handles the practice’s radiology billing, always ensure you avoid these common CPT coding mistakes.

Use old or outdated CPT codes during claim submission.
Use codes that the doctor described, instead of what was actually performed technically.
Forget or miscalculate X-ray view numbers, leading to downcoding.
Ignore or forget to use modifiers.
Use separate codes for imaging and surgical services, instead of using the bundled ones.

By avoiding these common CPT coding mistakes, you can easily improve reimbursement rates, pass first-claim acceptance ratio, and strengthen your overall revenue cycle.

Don't Let 2026 CPT Changes Affect Your Revenue

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are radiology CPT codes?

Radiology CPT codes refer to the Current Procedural Codes (CPT) established by the American Medical Association (AMA) and updated every year for better clinical documentation and the reimbursement process. By using accurate CPT codes, radiology centers improve clean claim submission rates and get paid faster for the rendered services. A minor coding mistake, such as using an outdated, deleted, or old radiology CPT code, can lead to rejections or even denials, losing revenue.

What is the difference between CPT code 77065 and 77066?

CPT code 77065 refers to the X-ray imaging performed on the patient’s one breast, who has a known lump or suspected cancer, to diagnose potential abnormalities. On the other hand, CPT code 77066 is used when the same procedure is performed on the patient to diagnose abnormalities in both breasts.

Which code set in radiation oncology replaces the old code sets?

In radiation oncology, the old code sets (77385, 77386, 77014) were deleted and replaced by the new CPT codes, 77402, 77407, and 77412, respectively, for radiation treatment delivery level I, II, and III.

Is CPT code 93306 diagnostic radiology?

No, CPT code 93306 doesn’t belong to diagnostic radiology, as it falls under the cardiovascular procedures, echocardiography coding set. Common diagnostic radiology CPT codes range from 70010 to 79999 and are categorized into different subsections, including ultrasound, imaging, mammography, bone and joint studies, and nuclear medicine.

What are the new radiology CPT codes introduced by the AMA in 2026?

The 2026 radiology CPT updates introduced several new codes across different radiology categories. Some of the major additions include 70471 for combined Head and Neck CTA, 70472 and 70473 for CT cerebral perfusion analysis, and 33882 for thoracic branch endograft procedures. These new codes improve clinical documentation, simplify reporting, and support more accurate claim submission.

What are the deleted radiology CPT codes and their replacements?

Several radiology-related CPT codes were deleted or restructured in the 2026 updates. For example, 70496 and 70498 are replaced by 70471 when a combined Head and Neck CTA is performed. The temporary Category III code 0042T for CT cerebral perfusion has been replaced by 70472 and 70473. In radiation oncology, 77014, 77385, and 77386 were removed from the previous treatment delivery framework, with providers now reporting treatment delivery using 77402, 77407, or 77412 based on the complexity of the procedure.

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