Radiology CPT® Codes for 2026 + Modifiers
Jan 22, 2026
Radiology billing continues to evolve in 2026, with major changes affecting both interventional and diagnostic imaging. From bundled vascular interventions to new CTA and cerebral perfusion rules, using outdated coding logic can quickly result in denials. Staying current with Radiology CPT® codes and modifiers for 2026 is essential for compliance and full reimbursement.
If your radiology team is still billing based on 2025 logic, this update will help align your coding, documentation, and modifier use with the latest 2026 requirements.
Radiology denials in 2026 are rarely random—they’re caused by predictable coding gaps.
We’re seeing repeat denials tied to outdated CTA combinations, incorrect perfusion reporting, and incomplete documentation for bundled interventional services. Payers have updated their edits—and many practices haven’t updated workflows to match.
Guarantee: We’ll identify your top radiology denial drivers and give you a clear plan to correct them.
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Major Diagnostic Update: CTA Head and Neck Bundle (70471)
One of the most important 2026 diagnostic changes affects CT angiography of the head and neck.
New for January 1, 2026:
| CPT® Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 70471 | CT Angiography of the head and neck (combined study) |
Previously, providers reported:
- 70496 – CTA Head
- 70498 – CTA Neck
As of 2026, billing 70496 and 70498 together for a combined study is incorrect and will trigger automatic denials. Code 70471 must be used when both territories are evaluated in a single session.
Still billing 70496 + 70498 together? That claim will deny.
We are already seeing payer systems auto-reject split CTA head/neck billing. If your charge capture tools haven’t been updated, denials will stack quickly.
Guarantee: We’ll verify your CTA workflow is compliant with 2026 bundling edits.
CT Cerebral Perfusion Graduation (70472, 70473)
CT Cerebral Perfusion (CTP), previously reported under Category III code 0042T, has transitioned to permanent Category I status in 2026.
| CPT® Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 70472 | Add-on code for CT Cerebral Perfusion when performed with CTA Head/Neck |
| 70473 | Standalone CT Cerebral Perfusion analysis |
These new CPT® codes include all required image post-processing. Separate 3D rendering codes (76376, 76377) generally should not be reported in addition to 70472 or 70473.
Stroke imaging denials often stem from improper perfusion reporting.
Billing legacy 0042T—or stacking 3D rendering codes incorrectly—can create immediate reimbursement issues.
Guarantee: We’ll confirm your cerebral perfusion billing aligns with 2026 standards.
Major Interventional Update: Peripheral Revascularization Redesign
The largest structural change for interventional radiology in 2026 is the complete redesign of lower extremity revascularization coding.
Deleted: 37220–37235
New Family: 37254–37299
These bundled CPT® codes combine vascular access, imaging supervision and interpretation, angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy into single reportable services organized by arterial territory:
- Iliac
- Femoral/Popliteal
- Tibial/Peroneal
- Inframalleolar (new territory for 2026)
Clear documentation of lesion complexity and treated territory is now mandatory for accurate reimbursement.
Lower extremity interventions are high-dollar—and high-risk for denials.
If your documentation doesn’t clearly support the new territory-based bundles, payers will request records or deny outright.
Guarantee: We’ll evaluate whether your interventional documentation supports the 37254–37299 family.
AI Imaging Updates
Artificial intelligence continues to influence radiology reimbursement.
| CPT® Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 75577 | Noninvasive coronary plaque analysis (formerly 0710T), now Category I |
| 0992T–0993T | AI-powered perivascular fat analysis |
The transition of 75577 to Category I status improves coverage likelihood, but payer policies still vary.
AI imaging codes won’t pay automatically just because they’re Category I.
We help radiology groups verify payer policies before claims go out—preventing unnecessary denials.
Guarantee: We’ll assess coverage trends for your advanced imaging services.
Radiology Billing Modifiers That Prevent Denials
| Modifier | When It’s Commonly Used |
|---|---|
| -26 | Professional component only |
| -TC | Technical component only |
| -76 | Repeat procedure by same provider |
| -77 | Repeat procedure by different provider |
| -59 | Distinct procedural service |
| -XS | Separate structure |
| -XE | Separate encounter |
| -XP | Separate practitioner |
| -XU | Unusual non-overlapping service |
Pro Tip: CMS continues encouraging more specific X-modifiers over broad -59 use. In radiology, -XS (Separate Structure) is often the correct choice when imaging distinct anatomical regions.
Modifiers are where imaging claims quietly lose revenue.
Professional/technical splits, repeat imaging, and distinct structure scenarios must align with payer edits.
Guarantee: We’ll identify your top modifier-driven denials and show you exactly what to change.
2026 Radiology Coding Summary
| 2026 Change | New Code(s) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Bundle | 70471 | Combines CTA Head and CTA Neck |
| CT Perfusion Graduation | 70472, 70473 | Category I status for stroke perfusion imaging |
| AI Graduation | 75577 | Permanent code for coronary plaque analysis |
| New IR Family | 37254–37299 | Territory-based bundling for lower extremity revascularization |
Final Thoughts
Radiology CPT® codes and modifiers for 2026 reflect deeper bundling, AI maturation, and stricter compliance oversight. Imaging centers that update charge capture tools, documentation templates, and modifier workflows now will reduce denials and protect revenue throughout the year.
If you’re still chasing radiology denials, you’re losing revenue every week.
Whether the issue is CTA bundling, perfusion transitions, IR redesign, or modifier misuse, we’ve seen these patterns across imaging groups nationwide—and we know how to correct them quickly.
Guarantee: We’ll identify your top denial causes and give you a step-by-step fix plan.
Trademark notice: CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.
For informational purposes only.
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