AMA CPT® Assistant - 2026 Issue 2 (February)
Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Assessment
February 2026 page 23 Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Assessment For the CPT 2026 code set, four Category III codes ( 0623T - 0626T ) were deleted, and a new Category I code ( 75577 ) was established in the Radiology section to report the quantification and characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaque using augmentative software analysis of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) data to assess the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) or the risk of developing myocardial infarction in patients with CAD. This article provides an overview of new code 75577 and its intended use. Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Heart...
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Article Overview
This article reviews a CPT 2026 radiology update focused on coronary computed tomographic angiography-based plaque assessment. It explains the scope of the new reporting pathway, the related deletions from the prior Category III structure, and the general role of augmentative software analysis in coronary artery disease evaluation. The content is useful for coding professionals, radiology practices, and clinicians who need to understand how the updated CPT material is organized and what kinds of guidance are included.
Why This Topic Matters
The update affects how coronary CTA-related plaque analysis is represented in the CPT 2026 code set and how related services are distinguished within radiology reporting workflows. It is important for anyone responsible for charge capture, documentation review, or education around cardiac imaging services.
Article Sections
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February 2026 page 23
Introductory article framing and CPT 2026 update context for coronary plaque assessment.
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Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging)
Overview of the radiology section and the cardiac imaging topic area addressed in the article.
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Heart
Discussion centered on coronary CTA and related plaque assessment within heart imaging services.
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Clinical Example
A representative patient scenario illustrating the type of service described in the article.
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Description of Procedure
General procedural workflow and documentation context for the service discussed in the update.
What You Will Learn
- The scope of the CPT 2026 update for coronary plaque assessment
- How the article situates the new radiology service within cardiac imaging
- What general kinds of documentation and workflow considerations are discussed
- How the article frames the transition from prior reporting structure to the newer CPT organization
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Cardiology and radiology documentation teams
- Physicians and qualified health care professionals involved in imaging workflows
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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