Your 2026 Dermatology Coding Readiness Checklist: ICD-10, CPT & Fee Schedule Updates

Code updates don’t have to be disruptive. Treat them as a natural checkpoint. Practices that plan ahead see cleaner claims, faster payments, and fewer headaches when January hits. Use this checklist to make sure your practice is fully ready for every 2026 coding and reimbursement change.

System Updates

• Load FY 2026 ICD-10-CM code set (effective October 2025)
• Load CPT 2026 code set (effective January 1, 2026)
• Remove deleted SRT codes: 77401, 0394T, G6001
• Add four new SRT CPT codes for planning, delivery, physics, management
• Update fee schedules with 2026 conversion factor (+3.26%) and efficiency adjustment (-2.5%)
• Verify EHR has applied all code updates

Templates & Documentation

• Update encounter forms with new ICD-10 site and severity options for ulcers and abscesses
• Add xylazine-associated wound codes to your code library
• Update lipodystrophy code options (partial, generalized, localized, HIV-associated)
• Verify CPT-to-ICD crosswalks for wound care and biopsy procedures
• Remove all retired codes from templates and superbills

Skin Substitute Billing

• Audit your CTP formulary against the CMS covered product list
• Remove any of the 158 delisted products from inventory and billing
• Update billing workflows for flat-rate $127.28/sq cm reimbursement
• Implement zero-waste documentation (bill only what is applied)
• Remove JW/JZ modifier usage for Section 361 HCT/Ps
• Set up prior auth workflows if in a WISER state (AZ, NJ, OH, OK, TX, WA)

Team Training

• Brief coders on new ICD-10 site and severity options
• Train billers on new SRT code structure
• Review Modifier 25/59 guidelines with providers
• Update staff on skin substitute billing changes
• Review telehealth POS code requirements by payer

Revenue Cycle Checks

• Review your high-volume dermatology codes (biopsies, excisions, destructions, repairs)
• Recalculate margins on skin substitute procedures
• Set up a process to monitor early January denials for invalid codes
• Verify commercial payer contracts reflect updated Medicare benchmarks
• Schedule a Q1 coding audit to catch issues early

Coding readiness is about stability. With updates installed, staff trained, and workflows aligned, your practice can start 2026 with fewer surprises and a smoother path to reimbursement.