For 2026, CPT added Category I codes for CT angiography and CT perfusion of the head and neck and for irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation. Combined CTA of the head and neck is 70471, CT cerebral perfusion is +70472 with concurrent CT or CTA or 70473 without it (replacing 0042T), and IRE ablation is 47384 for the liver and 55877 for the prostate. Category III code 0600T now covers IRE of other organs only.
Imaging, Radiology, and Endovascular Updates (2026)
Radiology and interventional services face significant coding changes in 2026. In particular, the changes affect CT angiography (CTA), CT perfusion (CTP), and ablation procedures. These updates touch head and neck imaging, endovascular therapy, and several high complexity interventions. As a result, coders and providers must adjust their documentation and code selection to stay compliant.
Key 2026 Coding Changes for CTA, CTP, and Ablation Procedures
Several former Category III codes are moving to new Category I CPT codes. In other words, these services are now considered standard of care.
The major updates include:
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New Category I codes for head and neck CTA
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New Category I codes for CT perfusion (CTP) imaging
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New codes for irreversible electroporation (IRE) of the liver and prostate
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Newly structured reporting for thoracic branch endograft procedures
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Revised prostate biopsy codes
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Updated coding rules for sacroiliac arthrodesis
Together, these updates aim to improve clarity, reporting accuracy, and data tracking for complex imaging and endovascular services.
Imaging Guidance and Bundling Changes
The way coders report imaging guidance is also changing. In 2026, expanded bundling rules directly affect procedures that coders previously reported separately.
Key guideline updates include:
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Revisions to vascular embolization/occlusion reporting rules
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Updated definitions and structure for endovascular therapy
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Bundling of certain imaging guidance services, such as fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound
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Changes to how legacy guidance codes like 61624 and 61626 are reported and bundled
Therefore, coders can no longer assume imaging guidance is separately reportable. Instead, report it only when the new CPT descriptors and guidelines clearly allow it.
Documentation Requirements Under 2026 Rules
Accurate documentation is now more critical than ever. Providers must clearly document the following:
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The imaging modality used (CT, CTA, CTP, fluoroscopy, ultrasound)
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Whether imaging guidance is bundled or separately reportable
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The approach (endovascular vs. open)
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The vascular territory treated
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The device types used (stents, coils, grafts, IRE probes)
In addition, coders must stop using deleted codes and map older services to the new CPT structure beginning January 1, 2026.
Coding Tips for CTA, CTP, and Ablation (2026)
First, always verify which imaging modality the provider used. Next, confirm whether the new rules bundle the imaging guidance. Also, review the Category I replacements for former Category III CTA and CTP services, and check the updated descriptors for IRE ablation of the liver and prostate. Make sure the documentation reflects the vascular territory, approach, and device. Finally, stay updated on guideline revisions for embolization and endovascular therapy.
The 2026 updates represent a major shift in how coders report advanced imaging, ablation, and endovascular procedures. Moving away from older codes will require close collaboration between providers and coding teams. Above all, proper documentation and education are essential for accurate reimbursement and compliance.
Related Resources
Coding Clarified Blog
American Urological Association
2026 CTA, CTP and IRE Codes at a Glance
| Code | Service | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| 70471 | CT angiography, head and neck, combined | New single code for CTA of the head and neck in the same session |
| +70472 | CT cerebral perfusion analysis with concurrent CT or CTA of the same anatomy | Replaces Category III code 0042T |
| 70473 | CT cerebral perfusion analysis without concurrent CT or CTA | Replaces Category III code 0042T |
| 47384 | Irreversible electroporation ablation, liver, 1 or more tumors, percutaneous, including imaging guidance | New Category I code; imaging guidance included |
| 55877 | Irreversible electroporation ablation, prostate, 1 or more tumors, percutaneous, including imaging guidance | New Category I code; imaging guidance included |
| 0600T | Irreversible electroporation of organs other than liver or prostate | Revised Category III code |
Frequently Asked Questions About CTA, CTP and Ablation Coding
How is CTA of the head and neck coded in 2026?
When CTA of the head and neck is performed together in one session, report the combined code 70471 instead of separate head and neck CTA codes.
What happened to Category III code 0042T?
It was deleted. CT cerebral perfusion is now reported with +70472 when performed with CT or CTA of the same anatomy, or 70473 when performed on its own.
Is imaging guidance reported separately with IRE ablation?
No. 47384 and 55877 include imaging guidance, so do not add separate guidance codes.
How is IRE of the pancreas or kidney coded?
Use Category III code 0600T, which was revised in 2026 to cover IRE of organs other than the liver or prostate.
Are 61624 and 61626 still billed with separate imaging codes?
No. The revised embolization codes include radiological supervision and interpretation, roadmapping and imaging guidance, so those components are not reported separately.