Master Cardiology Coding: Navigate 2025-2026 Updates with Confidence

Cardiology coding remains one of the most complex areas in healthcare, governed by an intricate web of CPT®, NCCI, and Medicare-specific rules. One of the biggest pitfalls? Coding based on the service performed rather than the vessel treated.

Whether you're new to cardiology coding, at an intermediate level, or a seasoned professional, this webinar will strengthen your confidence and accuracy across the full spectrum of cardiovascular procedures.

What You'll Master

2025-2026 Updates You Need to Know

✓ New PCI codes for complex stenting and chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions

✓ Revised RVU values affecting your reimbursement

✓ CPT® 2026 code set changes (46 new codes!) effective January 1, 2026

✓ ICD-10-CM updates effective October 1, 2025

✓ Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule adjustments for 2026 and their impact on cath lab reimbursement

Core Competencies

✓ Cardiovascular anatomy fundamentals and their impact on coding accuracy

✓ Cardiac catheterizations – diagnostic and interventional procedures

✓ Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) – stents, angioplasties, and atherectomies

✓ Injection services and congenital heart defect procedures

✓ Peripheral vascular studies of the lower extremities

✓ Pacemaker and defibrillator services

✓ Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC/Watchman) procedures

Comprehensive Learning Objectives

1. Gain Clarity on 2025 Cardiology Coding Updates & Foundational Anatomy

• Review new, revised, and deleted CPT® codes, including PCI changes and vascular family guidance
• Deepen your understanding of cardiovascular anatomy and its impact on coding accuracy
• Explore Appendix L for a practical overview of vascular families and how they guide procedural reporting

2. Enhance Accuracy in Cardiac Catheterization & PCI Coding

• Learn how to report both diagnostic cardiac cath and PCI services correctly
• Understand bundling rules and identify new opportunities for compliant billing
• Clarify when coding multiple stents in the same vessel is appropriate

3. Optimize Reimbursement through Modifiers & Clinical Documentation

• Apply modifiers effectively to support medical necessity and reduce denials
• Decode cath lab procedure report language to ensure correct CPT® code selection
• Promote payment success through strong documentation and coding alignment

In-Depth Topics Covered

Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology

• Vast sub-specialties in the cardiovascular arena
• Cardiologist vs. cardiac surgeon – understanding scope of practice
• Vessels deep dive: Arteries vs. veins, capillaries, and coronary circulation
• The heart: 4 chambers, 3 layers, valves, and great vessels
• Cardiac cycle: Systole and diastole explained

ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence

• 2026 ICD-10-CM updates you must know
• Common cardiology diagnoses coding strategies
• Myocardial infarction mastery:
• • Infarction vs. ischemia distinctions
  • Acute MI: 5 types identified in ICD-10-CM
  • Subsequent MI and old MI coding
  • STEMI vs. NSTEMI classifications
  • Code selection strategies and excludes notes

Diagnostic Studies & Testing

• What qualifies as a diagnostic study?
• Interpretation of results for coding purposes
• Heart catheterization – type of procedure classification
• Monitoring heart activity

Cardiovascular Diagnostics

• Diagnostic test components breakdown
• EKG/ECG coding essentials
• Echocardiograms (ECHO) comprehensive guidance
• TEE best practice documentation requirements for anesthesiologists
• Coding tips and add-on codes
• TEE guidance with CPT code application

CPT® Coding Framework

• Surgical section – Cardiovascular System (33016-37799)
• Radiology section applications
• Medicine section considerations
• Coronary circulation coding anatomy

Heart Catheterization Code Families

• Two families of codes: Congenital heart disease vs. all other conditions
• Special notes and normal anatomy considerations
• The power of the indent in CPT coding
• Diagnostics with interventions

PCI Procedures In-Depth

• Major coronary arteries identification
• PCI base code selection strategies
• PCI add-on code selection mastery
• Types of PCI procedures:
• • Atherectomy (native vessel)
  • Intracoronary stent(s) (native vessel)
  • Combined stenting and atherectomy
  • Revascularization of bypass graft
  • Revascularization of acute occlusion (during acute MI)

Advanced PCI Coding

• Revascularization of Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO)
• CTO definition vs. what's NOT considered CTO
• Additional PCI code guidance and best practices

Additional Procedures

• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) coding
• Heart (including valves) and great vessels procedures
• Modifier usage strategies for optimal reimbursement

2026 CPT Updates

• 46 new codes for 2026 – comprehensive overview
  

Who Should Attend?

• Medical Coders (new, intermediate, and experienced)
• Coding Managers & Supervisors
• Revenue Cycle Professionals
• Billing Specialists
• Compliance Officers
• Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Specialists
• Practice Managers in cardiology settings
• Health Information Management (HIM) Professionals
• Coding Auditors
• Anyone involved in cardiovascular coding and billing

Perfect For All Experience Levels:

✅ New coders seeking foundational cardiology knowledge
✅ Intermediate coders looking to refine skills and stay current
✅ Seasoned professionals needing 2025-2026 updates

What You'll Achieve

By attending this comprehensive webinar, you'll be able to:

✅ Navigate 2025-2026 updates with complete confidence

✅ Select correct CPT® codes based on vessels treated, not just services performed

✅ Apply modifiers strategically to support medical necessity

✅ Interpret cath lab reports accurately for coding purposes

✅ Understand bundling rules and identify compliant billing opportunities

✅ Reduce claim denials through proper documentation and coding alignment

✅ Maximize reimbursement while maintaining compliance

✅ Distinguish between code families for congenital vs. non-congenital conditions

Why This Training Matters

Complexity – Cardiology coding involves CPT®, NCCI, and Medicare rules that intersect in complex ways

Revenue Impact – Incorrect coding leads to denials, lost revenue, and compliance risks

Constant Changes – 2025-2026 brings significant updates including 46 new CPT codes

Compliance Risk – Improper coding can trigger audits and penalties

Career Development – Cardiology coding expertise is highly valued in the healthcare industry

✅ What's Included

✓ Comprehensive webinar covering anatomy through advanced procedures ✓ 2025-2026 update highlights and implementation guidance ✓ Expert instruction from JMCI's cardiology coding specialist ✓ Practical coding strategies and real-world examples ✓ CCI edits and bundling guidance ✓ Modifier application best practices ✓ Documentation requirements and tips ✓ Q&A opportunity with the expert ✓ Certificate of attendance ✓ Reference materials for ongoing use

Invest in Your Coding Excellence

Don't let cardiology coding complexity hold you back. Whether you're building foundational knowledge or staying current with the latest changes, this webinar provides the comprehensive training you need to code with confidence and accuracy.

Register today and master one of healthcare's most challenging coding specialties!