Every October brings ICD‑10 updates—but CPT is different. Most CPT code changes take effect January 1 each year. So what should a podiatry practice actually do in October 2025 about CPT? Prepare, preview, and pre‑train.
What’s actually new in the CPT world
• CPT 2026 code set released in September: The AMA publishes the upcoming CPT code set in early fall with changes effective January 1, 2026. That gives practices Q4 to prepare. Expect additions and revisions across medicine, including digital health and select surgical bundles—some could influence foot/ankle procedures, imaging, and evaluation/management policy.
• Early/triannual releases: A narrow subset of CPT content (e.g., certain vaccine product codes) may publish in periodic electronic releases, but for most podiatry services your effective date remains Jan 1. Category III (emerging tech) codes follow their own semiannual cadence; verify applicability before adoption.
October action plan for podiatry
1. Map 2026 CPT changes to your service mix. Cross‑walk the code set against your last 12 months of E/M, minor procedures (e.g., 1104x surgical debridement, 97597/97598 active wound care), injections, imaging, and orthotic management. Identify any revised descriptors or parenthetical notes that affect bundling.
2. Review CCI edits and payer policies. Many denials in Q1 stem from not updating to the latest bundling edits. Flag common pairs you use (e.g., debridement with application procedures, E/M on post‑op days) and rehearse compliant modifier use.
3. Update charge capture tools. Refresh favorites, pick lists, and order sets before December so January 1 doesn’t surprise staff.
4. Train staff on documentation points tied to RVUs. When RVU revaluations shift, documentation must clearly support elements like size/extent of debridement, decision‑making complexity, or imaging interpretation—even if the CPT code number doesn’t change.
Podiatry‑specific watch‑outs
• Wound‑care bundling: Application of cellular/tissue‑based products (CTPs/skin substitutes) often intersects with debridement codes. New payer instructions or site‑of‑service rules may change reimbursement. Because major CTP LCD changes are delayed until Jan 1, 2026, use Q4 to tighten protocols and documentation.
• DME and supplies: Many supplies are reported via HCPCS Level II rather than CPT. October brings quarterly HCPCS updates that may affect what you can dispense and how it’s paid (see Blog 4).
How A Step Above Health Mgmt helps
We’ll distill the CPT 2026 updates into a podiatry‑specific playbook, update your EHR order sets and macros, and run coder/provider workshops so your team hits Jan 1, 2026 ready—no surprises, no slowdowns.
