2026 Coding Changes Could Simplify Billing—But Are You Ready?

The 2026 updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are set to significantly impact healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) teams. With new coding changes, including add-ons that eliminate time-based documentation, it’s crucial for billing teams to adapt quickly to ensure proper reimbursement and maintain operational efficiency.

What's Actually Happening

In 2026, CMS will implement updates affecting various coding systems, including the Ambulatory Payment Classification Model (APCM), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), and ICD-10 codes. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of add-ons that carry a reimbursement of approximately $58 without the need for traditional minute-counting documentation, which is commonly associated with standard Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) and Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) codes like CPT 99492 and 99484. This shift marks a departure from traditional models, allowing for greater flexibility in how services are documented and billed.