Introduction
Staying on top of the ever-changing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code updates is not just a best practice, it’s a necessity for radiology providers. With the rapid integration of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving compliance standards, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) 2025 CPT code updates bring a range of changes that radiologists, coders, and billing professionals must understand and implement quickly. Approximately 18% of coding denials occur because of invalid claim data.
Effective May 2025, these changes include new codes, code deletions, and revisions specifically targeting MRI safety procedures, AI-assisted diagnostics, and the retirement of obsolete services. Radiology practices that fail to align with these changes risk delayed payments, claim denials, and potential compliance issues.
This article dives deep into the most important Radiology CPT Codes 2025 , what they mean for your practice, and how to stay ahead of the curve by hiring the best medical coding services
Why Staying Ahead of Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026 is Critical
Proper reimbursement, compliance with regulations and good practice management require xray CPT codes 2025 to be used accurately. Revisions, additions and deletions made in 2026 affect different procedures such as those for MRI safety, prostate tissue ablation, transcranial Doppler studies and so on. These changes can be used by practices to
- Ensure accurate billing and avoid claim denials.
- Stay compliant with evolving regulations.
- Adapt to new technologies and procedures.
Enhance patient care through precise documentation.
Overview of Key Radiology CPT Code Changes for May 2025
1. MR Safety Implant/Foreign Body Procedures (Codes 76014–76019)
Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026 has six new codes that have been introduced to address MRI safety evaluations for patients with implants or foreign bodies
- 76014: Initial 15-minute assessment of implants or foreign bodies.
- 76015: Each additional 30-minute evaluation after the initial assessment.
- 76016: MRI safety determination by a physician or qualified healthcare professional.
- 76017: Customization of medical physics examinations for safety.
- 76018: Preparation of implant electronics, such as pacemaker programming.
- 76019: Positioning or immobilization of implants during the
These codes aim to standardize reporting and ensure patient safety during MRI procedures.
2. MRI-Monitored Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA) (Codes 51751, 55881, 55882)
New Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026 have been established for MRI-monitored TULSA, a minimally invasive procedure for prostate tissue ablation
- 51751: Insertion of transurethral ablation transducer, including suprapubic tube placement and endorectal cooling device, when performed.
- 55881: Ablation of prostate tissue using thermal ultrasound, with MRI guidance and monitoring.
- 55882: Comprehensive prostate ablation with transducer placement, suprapubic tube, and cooling device, when performed.
These codes provide specificity in reporting and reflect advancements in prostate cancer treatment.
3. MRI-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
The existing Category III code 0398T for MRgFUS has been converted to Category I and replaced by three new codes that cover
- Treatment planning.
- Insertion and guidance.
- Ablation of targeted tissue
This change acknowledges the growing adoption of MRgFUS in clinical practice.
Transcranial Doppler Studies
Updates to transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies include.
Introduction of three new add-on codes for:
- Vasoreactivity studies.
- Emboli detection without intravenous microbubble injection.
- Venous-arterial shunt detection with intravenous microbubble injection.
- Revision of code 93893 to specify venous-arterial shunt detection.
- Deletion of code 93890.
These changes enhance the precision of TCD study reporting.
5. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules
Two new Radiology CPT Code Updates 2025 have been introduced for percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of thyroid nodules
- 60660: Ablation of one or more thyroid nodules in a single lobe or isthmus, including imaging guidance.
- 60661: Add-on code for ablation of additional nodules in an additional lobe
These Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026 address a previously unclassified procedure, facilitating accurate reporting.
6. Fascial Plane Blocks (Codes 64466–64474)
Six new codes have been established for fascial plane block procedures:
- 64466: Unilateral thoracic fascial plane block by injection(s), with imaging guidance.
- 64467: Unilateral thoracic fascial plane block by continuous infusion(s), with imaging guidance.
- 64468: Bilateral thoracic fascial plane block by injection(s), with imaging guidance.
- 64469: Bilateral thoracic fascial plane block by infusion(s), with imaging guidance.
- 64473: Unilateral lower extremity fascial plane block by injection(s), with imaging guidance.
- 64474: Unilateral lower extremity fascial plane block by infusion(s), with imaging guidance.
These Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026 reflect the evolving use of fascial plane blocks in pain management.
7. Vascular Procedure Guidelines
- Revisions have been made to clarify the use of add-on code 75774 for angiography
- Code 75774 can now be reported for both arteries and veins.
- Cross-references for angiography and catheterization codes (75600–75756 and 36215–36248) have been deleted to reduce confusion.
- These changes aim to streamline vascular procedure reporting.
8. Telemedicine Services
A new subsection within Evaluation and Management (E/M) includes 17 new telemedicine codes covering:
- Audio-visual visits.
- Audio-only visits.
- A new virtual check-in code for brief assessments to determine if an in-person visit is necessary
- Additionally, codes 99441–99443 for telephone evaluations and management services have been deleted.
Table A: Old Codes vs New / Revised / Deleted
| Old Code | Old Description | Change in 2025 | What to Use Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0398T | MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), intracranial ablation (Category III) | Deleted | Replaced with new Category I codes covering: planning, insertion & guidance, ablation |
| 93890 | Transcranial Doppler vasoreactivity study | Deleted | Use new TCD add-on code for vasoreactivity |
| 93893 | TCD emboli detection (with IV microbubbles) | Revised | Now describes venous-arterial shunt detection; emboli detection moved to new add-on codes |
| 99441–99443 | Telephone E/M services (5–30 min, audio-only) | Deleted | Use new telehealth/telemedicine E/M codes |
| — | — | New Codes | MRI-Monitored TULSA (prostate ablation) & other radiology-specific new procedures |
Table B: New MR Safety CPT Codes (76014–76019)
| Code | What It Covers | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 76014 | Implant/foreign body assessment (first 15 min) by clinical staff | Before MRI, when patient has implant/device |
| 76015 | Each additional 30 min of assessment | Add-on if work exceeds 15 min |
| 76016 | Physician/QHP review & safety determination (risk–benefit, device review, documentation) | When implant/device info is unclear or high-risk |
| 76017 | MR exam customization (with medical physicist input) | On MRI day; customizing sequences/views for safety |
| 76018 | Implant/device electronics preparation | On MRI day; programming device into safe mode |
What These Radiology CPT Code Updates 2026 Mean for Your Practice?
The 2026 CPT code changes have several implications for radiology practices:
- Enhanced Accuracy: New X Ray CPT codes allow for more precise documentation and billing of procedures.
- Compliance: Staying updated ensures adherence to current regulations and standards.
- Reimbursement: Accurate coding directly impacts reimbursement rates and reduces claim denials.
Workflow Optimization: Understanding and integrating new codes can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
How to Prepare Your Practice for Radiology CPT Code Updates 2025
To effectively implement the 2026 CPT code changes:
- Educate Staff: Conduct training sessions for physicians, coders, and administrative staff to familiarize them with new codes and guidelines.
- Update Systems: Ensure that electronic health records (EHR) and billing systems are updated to accommodate new codes, with the best EHR Billing Services
- Review Documentation: Assess and modify documentation practices to align with new coding requirements.
- Engage with Payers: Communicate with insurance providers to understand their policies regarding new codes.
- Prior Authorization: For procedures impacted by reimbursement policy shifts like advanced imaging, MRgFUS, and ablation techniques utilizing specialized prior authorization services can prevent delays, denials, and rescheduling disruptions.
Monitor Compliance: Regularly audit coding practices to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
The 2026 CPT code updates represent a significant shift in radiology and interventional cardiology coding practices. By proactively adapting to these changes with the help of experts like BillingParadise, healthcare providers can ensure accurate reporting, optimize reimbursement, and continue to deliver high-quality patient care. Staying informed and prepared is essential in navigating the evolving landscape of medical coding.
