CMS Coding Clarity: What Practices Need to Know, and Why Patients Benefit

Between new codes and revisions to existing codes, there were over 400 changes to the current procedural terminology (CPT) codes that were put into place starting January 1 of this year. This isn’t new – each year, the American Medical Association announces changes to the CPT codes, which impacts how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurers reimburse clinicians for various treatments and services.

However, the changes will be driven by different factors, like patient demand, treatment innovation, and shifting technologies. New CPT codes require protocol changes, from treatment to billing and documentation for every step of the patient care process. 

This year, one of the most important changes in the CPT and CMS 2026 Physician Fee Schedule now identifies superficial radiotherapy (SRT) technology, specifically from our company, as a standalone treatment modality. In doing so, reimbursement rates for technology have increased by more than 300 percent.

It’s estimated by the American Dermatology Association that one in five Americans will experience skin cancer in their lifetime. As skin cancer rates continue to rise, and demand for non-surgical treatment options increase, SRT technology plays a bigger role in helping to improve patient outcomes. Further expansion and acceptance of SRT technology provides a non-surgical alternative for treating non-melanoma skin cancer, as well as an effective solution for keloids.

For providers, understanding the changes on how to code use of SRT technology as a modality will be important to ensure reimbursement and build greater confidence in SRT utilization. 

Decoding the New Codes 

Across the board, CMS fee schedule is clear. For clinicians, it’s important to know what has changed and focus on learning how to put it into practice as of January 1. The work will pay off – as it ensures efficient and proper reimbursement. 

Adapting to the new codes typically falls into three key areas:

• Streamlining patient care services to make it clearer when to bill for what 
• Increasing documentation and notes to better indicate services and align with modalities, and thus, coding requirements
• Creating new codes to streamline billing for new or advancing technologies

Most notably, the changes introduce a dedicated suite of codes for SRT. The establishment of codes for care via SRT technology, including simulation, ultrasound guidance, and treatment delivery, represents a meaningful advancement for providers, patients, and the broader dermatology community. 

Image-guided SRT has a built-in high-frequency ultrasound designed to see tumor depth and define margins, which offers a different mechanism than traditional radiology oncology solutions. There are differences in how SRT technology can be used for detecting, and treating, non-melanoma skin cancer. The new guidelines and codes for 2026 reflect this, making it clear on how clinicians can code services to get reimbursement. 

With more predictable reimbursement and less administrative friction, patients can rely on timely access to non-invasive care to support treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers and keloids. And, for providers, it ensures clarity around what to bill and when – while protecting the value of SRT delivery for treatment. 

Putting Into Practice: Best Practices for Coding 

Consistent protocols help clinicians meet the dynamic changes of the CMS codes. Understanding the differences between codes, such as how to bill for planning versus the delivery of treatment via SRT technology, will help to maximize reimbursement rates.

For many clinicians, there will not be a noticeable change in how they deliver treatment protocols for patients. These coding changes represent a different way of billing, which may require differentiation based on the voltage used for treatment options (e.g., SRT technology vs. other radiation oncology) and how the treatment protocol gets billed across codes. 

In many cases, the coding shifts align with existing best practices that are in place with today’s healthcare providers. The new codes require that treatment be documented in a way that’s consistent with CMS requirements.  For providers, this shift translates into operational stability and scalability. And, for patients, it improves timely access to non-invasive care without unnecessary financial barriers.

Understanding the changing requirements for codes in this year’s healthcare landscape, including what will be required for documentation, sets clinicians and physicians up for success with using advanced technologies. In doing so, it helps to advance the care provided to patients and ensure better patient outcomes now and in the future.  

lopment, regulatory strategy, and market expansion while maintaining a commitment to quality and integrity. He has been instrumental in advancing the adoption of superficial radiation therapy (SRT) by aligning clinical outcomes with evolving reimbursement and healthcare delivery models.  Joseph is known for fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration, empowering teams to deliver technology that supports physicians and improves patient confidence and quality of life. His vision continues to position Sensus Healthcare as a trusted partner to providers nationwide, advancing the standard of care through thoughtful leadership and long-term strategic growth.