The 2027 CPT code updates bring another round of changes that healthcare organizations can’t afford to overlook. With hundreds of new, revised, and deleted codes affecting a wide range of specialties, coding teams must prepare to navigate new requirements while maintaining accuracy. Here’s what healthcare organizations need to know about the 2027 CPT code changes and how to ensure their medical coding teams are ready. [Note: Be sure to also read our FY 2027 ICD-10-CM update to learn about diagnosis code changes that took effect October 1, 2026.]
The 2027 CPT updates include 453 editorial changes—299 new codes, 74 revisions, and 80 deletions—all effective January 1, 2027. To ensure a successful transition to the new 2027 CPT codes, healthcare organizations, including hospitals, multi-specialty physician groups, sleep service organizations, and other providers, should focus on three priorities:
The 2027 CPT code updates affect a wide range of medical specialties, creating new considerations for coding workflows, clinical documentation, reimbursement, and revenue cycle performance. Here’s a closer look at the 2027 CPT code changes and their potential impact.
In 2026, a single global maternity code (59400) captures the entire episode of care. However, with the 2027 CPT code changes, coders must report:
|
2027 CPT code |
Description |
|
59080* |
Initial day labor management; straightforward |
|
59081* |
Initial day labor management; complex |
|
59082* |
Subsequent day labor management; straightforward |
|
59083* |
Subsequent day labor management; complex |
Clinical scenario: A patient receives eight routine prenatal visits, undergoes straightforward labor and vaginal delivery, and receives routine postpartum care. The same OB/GYN practice provides all services.
|
Maternity service |
2026 |
Beginning January 1, 2027 |
|
Antepartum care |
Included in global maternity code |
Individual E/M codes (e.g., 99213) for qualifying prenatal encounters |
|
Labor management |
Included in global maternity code |
59080 – Initial-day straightforward labor management |
|
Vaginal delivery |
Included in global maternity code |
59431 – Vaginal delivery |
|
Postpartum care |
Included in global maternity code |
Appropriate E/M codes (e.g., 99213) for qualifying postpartum encounters |
|
Overall coding |
59400 – One global code covering routine antepartum care, vaginal delivery, and postpartum care |
Multiple codes reflecting separately reportable maternity services |
Tip: Work now with providers to ensure that documentation supports each service, including labor complexity, delivery details, and qualifying E/M encounters, to maintain coding accuracy and protect reimbursement. Be sure to check out this AMA FAQ about the 2027 changes to prepare for these changes. Also be sure to check out the updated 2027 CPT coding guidelines for maternity care services.
In 2026, existing CPT codes do not specifically describe certain open surgical left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion and removal techniques. However, new 2027 CPT codes do.
|
2027 provisional CPT code |
Procedure description |
|
33X12 |
Open LVAD insertion involving aortic exposure and creation of a graft conduit through a sternotomy or thoracotomy |
|
33X13 |
LVAD removal involving resection and stapling of the graft conduit and skin closure |
|
33X15 |
Open LVAD insertion involving axillary, subclavian, or innominate artery exposure and creation of a graft conduit |
Clinical scenario: A cardiac surgeon inserts a LVAD through an open axillary artery approach, creating a graft conduit through an infraclavicular incision.
|
2026 |
Beginning January 1, 2027 |
|
No existing CPT code specifically describes the complete open surgical approach involving axillary artery exposure and graft conduit creation. Depending on the procedure and applicable guidance, an unlisted cardiovascular procedure code may be necessary. |
33X15 (provisional CPT placeholder): Open insertion of a left ventricular assist device involving axillary, subclavian, or innominate artery exposure with graft conduit creation. |
Tip: Ensure surgeons distinguish the surgical approach and arterial access site to select the appropriate LVAD insertion code. Ensure operative reports clearly specify the device type, access vessel, incision, surgical exposure, and graft conduit creation to support accurate coding and reimbursement.
In 2026, existing CPT codes do not specifically describe certain diaphragmatic hernia repairs, particularly those performed laparoscopically or thoracoscopically. However, new 2027 CPT codes do.
|
2027 provisional CPT code |
Procedure description |
|
39XX3 |
Open abdominal repair (laparotomy) of a nontraumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39XX4 |
Open thoracic repair (thoracotomy) of a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39XX5 |
Open thoracic repair of a nontraumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39XX7 |
Laparoscopic repair of an acute traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39XX8 |
Laparoscopic repair of a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39XX9 |
Laparoscopic repair of a nontraumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39X11 |
Thoracoscopic repair of a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39X12 |
Thoracoscopic repair of a nontraumatic diaphragmatic hernia. |
|
39X13 |
Add-on code for mesh or other prosthesis implantation during an eligible diaphragmatic hernia repair. |
Clinical scenario: A general surgeon performs a laparoscopic repair of a nontraumatic Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia in an adult patient.
|
2026 |
Beginning January 1, 2027 |
|
39599 — Unlisted procedure, diaphragm. Because existing CPT codes do not specifically describe this laparoscopic repair, unlisted-procedure reporting may be appropriate. |
39XX9 (provisional CPT placeholder) — Laparoscopic repair of a nontraumatic diaphragmatic hernia, such as a Morgagni or Bochdalek hernia. |
Tip: Ensure surgeons identify the hernia type, whether it is traumatic or nontraumatic, the surgical approach, and whether mesh or another prosthesis was implanted.
In 2026, coders generally report MRA studies of the head and neck using separate CPT codes for each anatomical region. However, with the 2027 CPT code changes, there are three new codes for combined head and neck MRA studies.
|
2027 provisional CPT code |
Procedure description |
|
70XX4 |
MRA of the head and neck without contrast, including image postprocessing |
|
70XX5 |
MRA of the head and neck with contrast, including image postprocessing |
|
70XX6 |
MRA of the head and neck without contrast followed by contrast and additional sequences in one or both anatomical regions, including image postprocessing |
Clinical scenario: A radiologist performs an MRA of both the head and neck without contrast to evaluate suspected vascular disease.
|
2026 |
Beginning January 1, 2027 |
|
70544 + 70547 — Report MRA of the head without contrast (70544) and MRA of the neck without contrast (70547) separately, when both services are supported. |
70XX4 (provisional placeholder) — A new combined code describes MRA of the head and neck without contrast, including image postprocessing. |
Tip: Update charge capture workflows and coding protocols to prevent duplicate billing or missed charges. Clearly identify the anatomical regions examined, contrast administration, and applicable image post processing.
In 2026, coders report unattended sleep studies using codes based primarily on the physiological parameters recorded. However, with the 2027 CPT updates, coders must report one of six new codes that distinguish sleep studies by complexity and separate technical services from physician interpretation and reporting.
|
2027 CPT code |
Service description |
Complexity |
|
95843 |
Setup, data acquisition, and technical analysis |
Low: 3–4 recording channels |
|
95844 |
Setup, data acquisition, and technical analysis |
Moderate: 5–10 recording channels |
|
95846 |
Setup, data acquisition, and technical analysis |
High: 11 or more recording channels |
|
95847 |
Physician or qualified healthcare professional interpretation and report |
Low: 3–4 recording channels |
|
95848 |
Physician or qualified healthcare professional interpretation and report |
Moderate: 5–10 recording channels |
|
95849 |
Physician or qualified healthcare professional interpretation and report |
High: 11 or more recording channels |
Clinical scenario: A patient undergoes an unattended home sleep study using a device that records six channels and generates seven parameter categories. A sleep technologist reviews and scores the raw data, and a physician separately interprets the findings and prepares a report.
|
2026 |
Beginning January 1, 2027 |
|
95800 — An unattended sleep study recording heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory analysis, and sleep time, assuming the recorded signals meet the code descriptor. Technical and professional components could be distinguished using modifiers TC and 26. |
95844 + 95848 — New codes for the technical and professional components of a moderate-complexity unattended sleep study, respectively, when both services are performed and documented. |
Tip: Update coding protocols, charge capture processes, and documentation templates to accommodate the new complexity-based reporting structure. Also consider partnering with a specialized outsource revenue cycle company to assist with coding updates.
In 2026, CPT 90901 (biofeedback training) is an untimed code. However, beginning in 2027, biofeedback training is reported in 15-minute increments using revised code 90901 and a new add-on code.
|
2027 CPT code |
Status |
Description |
|
90901 |
Revised |
Biofeedback training by any modality (e.g., EMG, EEG, ECG); initial 15 minutes of direct patient contact |
|
90X03 |
New (provisional) |
Biofeedback training by any modality; each additional 15 minutes of direct patient contact. Add-on code reported with 90901 |
Clinical scenario: A patient receives 30 minutes of direct, one-on-one EMG biofeedback training from a qualified healthcare professional to help manage chronic tension headaches. The clinician provides instruction and monitors the patient’s muscle activity throughout the session.
|
2026 |
Beginning January 1, 2027 |
|
90901 — Biofeedback training by any modality, reported as one service regardless of the 30-minute session duration. |
90901 (revised) + 90X03 (new provisional add-on code) — Report 90901 for the initial 15 minutes and 90X03 for the additional 15 minutes of qualifying direct patient contact. |
Tip: Verify the amount of qualifying direct patient contact to determine the appropriate biofeedback codes and units. Ensure documentation clearly identifies the treatment modality, duration, provider involvement, and services performed.
The 2027 CPT updates underscore the value of having a flexible, highly skilled coding workforce that can adapt quickly to changing requirements while maintaining accuracy, productivity, and revenue integrity. Learn how Global Healthcare Resource can help.
The 2027 CPT updates include 453 editorial changes: 299 new codes, 74 revisions, and 80 deletions, effective January 1, 2027. Significant changes affect maternity care, cardiovascular surgery, diaphragmatic hernia repair, radiology, sleep medicine, and biofeedback services. These updates introduce more specific reporting requirements that may affect coding workflows, documentation, charge capture, and reimbursement.
The 2027 CPT updates will require coding teams to apply new code descriptors, distinguish more detailed procedural techniques, and follow revised reporting guidelines. Changes could also affect payer coverage, payment policies, and claim processing. Healthcare organizations should review affected service lines, update coding systems and charge masters, and conduct targeted audits to minimize coding errors, denials, and missed reimbursement opportunities.
Organizations should begin by identifying which code changes affect their specialties and services. Key preparation steps include updating coding protocols and billing systems, educating coders and providers on new documentation requirements, reviewing payer policies, and testing claims workflows. Specialty-specific training and prebill audits can help organizations maintain coding accuracy, compliance, and productivity during the transition.
An experienced medical coding outsourcing partner can provide access to specialty-trained coders who understand complex procedures, evolving documentation requirements, and updated coding guidelines. Partners can help organizations address staffing and competency gaps, maintain coding productivity, and scale resources as needed. This support can reduce operational disruptions, strengthen coding accuracy, and protect revenue cycle performance as the 2027 CPT changes take effect.
