Neurology CPT Coding Updates 2026: What Practices Need to Know

Did you know that the 2026 CPT code set includes 418 changes that could directly impact how your neurology practice bills for critical services?

With 288 new codes, 84 deletions, and 46 revisions taking effect January 1, 2026, neurology practices face significant shifts in diagnostic coding and reimbursement. Understanding these changes now prevents claim denials, revenue loss, and compliance issues down the road.

Why the 2026 Neurology CPT Coding Updates Matter?

The American Medical Association (AMA) released the CPT 2026 code set in September 2025, marking one of the most transformative updates in recent years. These changes directly affect how neurologists document and bill for electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and emerging diagnostic services.

The CPT 2026 code set adds 288 new codes designating the latest advances in medical, surgical, and diagnostic services available to patients, according to the AMA’s official announcement.

For neurology practices, these updates create both challenges and opportunities. Missing the transition could mean denied claims. But adapting quickly opens doors to new revenue streams through expanded remote monitoring and AI-assisted diagnostics.

Major Neurology CPT Coding Changes for 2026

The 2026 CPT code updates introduce meaningful changes for neurology practices as care continues to shift toward digital monitoring, advanced diagnostics, and data-driven decision-making. These updates affect how services are documented, coded, and reimbursed, making early awareness essential. Some changes expand billing opportunities, while others tighten reporting requirements. 

Remote Patient Monitoring Expansion

Previously, remote physiologic monitoring required data transmission on at least 16 out of 30 days. Five new codes now allow billing for 2 to 15 days.

Key new codes:

• 99XX4: Device supply for remote physiologic monitoring
• 99XX5: Treatment management (10-19 minutes)
• 98XX4-98XX6: Therapeutic monitoring for respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cognitive therapy

This benefits practices managing epilepsy, migraines, and chronic neurological conditions.

AI-Assisted Diagnostics Coding

Artificial intelligence is transforming neurology diagnostics. New codes provide clearer billing for:

• Algorithm-assisted ECG analysis (0902T, 0903T–0905T)
• AI-supported cardiac dysfunction detection
• Computer-aided imaging interpretation

These updates align with FDA guidance on AI and machine-learning medical devices, emphasizing physician oversight and clinical accountability.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Testing Expansion

Perhaps most exciting for neurology practices are new codes supporting expanded evaluation of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.

New codes for beta-amyloid and tau testing (82233, 82234, 84393, and 84395) support expanded evaluation of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, according to recent coding updates.

Additionally, code 83884 now covers neurofilament light chain testing, a breakthrough biomarker for neurodegeneration. These additions reflect growing clinical evidence that blood-based biomarkers can track Alzheimer’s progression and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Audiology Services Overhaul

Hearing services often intersect with neurology in the management of vestibular disorders. Legacy codes 92590–92595 are being replaced with 12 new codes, like 92628 for hearing-aid candidacy evaluation and 92629 for add-on services.

Table: Key Neurology CPT Coding Updates 2026

How 2026 Updates Affect Common Neurology Procedures

While the 2026 CPT updates introduce significant changes across neurology, many core diagnostic procedures remain familiar. Understanding what stays the same, and what requires closer documentation helps practices maintain billing accuracy and compliance.

EEG Coding Remains Stable

Routine EEG codes, including 95816 and 95819, remain unchanged for 2026, offering welcome continuity for neurology practices. However, long-term EEG monitoring includes updated descriptor language, making clearer documentation essential for multi-day studies to support accurate billing and avoid payer questions.

EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies Continue

Core EMG codes (95885–95887) and nerve conduction study codes (95907–95913) remain in place. It’s important to document muscle counts accurately, as 95885 applies to limited studies (fewer than five muscles), while 95886 reports complete EMG testing involving five or more muscles.

What Neurology Practices Must Do In 2026

With the CPT 2026 updates introducing hundreds of new, deleted, and revised codes, early preparation is essential for neurology practices. Taking proactive steps now allows your practice to maintain clean claims, protect revenue, and transition smoothly into the new coding year.

Update Code Books and Software

Acquire the CPT 2026 Professional Edition from the AMA. Compare your top codes against the list of 2026 changes. Coordinate with your EHR vendor for automatic updates, including new codes, deletions, and revised descriptors. Test claims with major payers before go-live.

Train Staff on Key Changes

Clinical staff need to understand documentation supporting new codes for AI diagnostics, remote monitoring, and biomarker testing. Schedule sessions covering the top 10 changes, new requirements, common errors, and payer timelines.

Verify Payer Coverage

Contact major payers about 2026 code coverage, prior authorization requirements, and reimbursement rates before billing.

Build Denial Management Workflows

First quarter 2026 will see an increase in denials. Create processes to flag new-code denials, track patterns, implement quick corrections, and document lessons learned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When CPT codes change, small oversights can lead to costly billing issues. Many neurology practices face denials due to common update errors that go unnoticed.

Don’t Assume Codes Remain Unchanged

Even minor descriptor revisions can affect reporting. Always review updated usage guidelines, bundling rules, and parenthetical notes in the 2026 CPT manual.

Failing to Replace Deleted Codes

Submitting deleted code results in automatic rejection. Audit historical claims and map deleted codes to their correct 2026 replacements before billing.

Incomplete Documentation for New Codes

AI-assisted and digital health services require detailed documentation of physician oversight, medical necessity, and clinical decision-making. Missing details often trigger denials.

Overlooking Payer-Specific Adoption Timelines

Not all payers implement new CPT codes on the same schedule. Billing too early can result in rejections, even when the code is valid.

Misreporting Time-Based Services

Remote monitoring and management codes require accurate time tracking. Estimates or rounded times may fail payer audits.

Ignoring Modifier and Bundling Changes

Some revised codes include updated modifier rules. Using outdated modifier logic can lead to underpayment or compliance risk.

Skipping Post-Implementation Audits

Early 2026 claims should be reviewed closely. Without audits, recurring errors can compound denials and delay revenue recovery.

Assuming AI Tools Replace Physician Work

Patients expect clear physician interpretation alongside AI outputs. Failing to document physician involvement can invalidate claims.

Benefits of Staying Current

Staying up to date with neurology CPT coding changes helps protect your revenue and keep daily operations running smoothly. Practices that adapt early see fewer disruptions and stronger financial performance.

Faster Payments, Fewer Denials

Using the correct codes from day one prevents avoidable denials and resubmissions. Clean claims move through payer systems faster, reducing accounts receivable days and improving cash flow.

Capture Revenue You’re Already Earning

New CPT codes for remote patient monitoring and AI-assisted diagnostics allow you to bill accurately for services you may already provide. Proper coding ensures no work goes unpaid.

Lower Audit and Compliance Risk

Updated codes and documentation reduce red flags during payer audits. Staying current helps you meet the requirements of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers with confidence.

Better Team Alignment

Clear coding guidelines improve communication between providers, coders, and billing staff, leading to more consistent documentation and fewer downstream errors.

Stay Ahead of Neurology Coding Changes, With the Right Partner

The 2026 neurology CPT coding updates reflect a broader shift toward evolving diagnostics, digital health, and stricter documentation standards. Practices that succeed long term build repeatable systems, regular code reviews, ongoing staff training, and proactive payer checks, rather than reacting to changes at the last minute. Acting now is the only way to protect revenue and reduce disruption.

If managing these changes feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Tennessee Medical Billing helps neurology practices stay compliant, reduce denials, and capture every dollar earned. Contact us to schedule a complimentary billing review.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do the neurology CPT coding updates for 2026 take effect?

All 2026 CPT changes take effect January 1, 2026. Medicare follows this date, but some commercial payers phase updates later, so always confirm payer-specific implementation timelines.

2. Will Medicare cover the new remote patient monitoring codes for neurology patients?

Medicare typically covers new Category I remote monitoring codes if medical necessity, documentation, and ordering requirements are met. Coverage details vary, so confirm policies with your Medicare Administrative Contractor.

3. How do I bill for AI-assisted EEG interpretation under the 2026 codes?

AI-assisted EEG interpretation remains billed under existing EEG codes. Documentation must clearly show physician oversight, independent interpretation, medical necessity, and how AI tools supported clinical decision-making.

4. Are the new Alzheimer’s biomarker testing codes covered by insurance?

Coverage for new Alzheimer’s biomarker codes varies by payer. Medicare and commercial plans may limit coverage, require prior authorization, or classify tests as investigational in certain situations.

5. What happens if I accidentally use a deleted 2026 CPT code?

Claims with deleted CPT codes are automatically rejected. Correct the code using the 2026 manual, update your system, and resubmit promptly to avoid delays and potential audit risk.