A summary of what's changed in CPT coding for 2026 that's relevant to OB/GYN practices, and how to update internal workflows.
Annual CPT code updates require OB/GYN practices to review and adjust internal coding references, billing software settings, and staff training every year — a task that's easy to deprioritize until an outdated code causes a denial.
Why Annual Review Matters More in a Specialty Like OB/GYN
Because OB/GYN billing relies so heavily on a relatively small set of high-volume codes — global maternity codes, common GYN procedures — a single missed update to one of these core codes has outsized impact compared to specialties with more evenly distributed coding patterns.
Updating Internal Reference Materials First
Before any updated codes are used in live billing, internal reference materials — cheat sheets, EHR code favorites lists, and training materials — need to be updated to match. Continuing to reference last year's materials during a transition period is a common source of early-year denials.
Cross-Check Against Your CPT Library
Our own [CPT code library](/resources/cpt-library) is maintained to reflect current-year coding, and is worth cross-referencing against your internal materials during any annual update cycle to catch discrepancies early.
Watch for Downstream Effects on Related Guides
Code updates can ripple into related billing guidance — for instance, changes affecting delivery codes may also affect how [CPT 59400](/blog/cpt-59400-explained) or related global billing codes should be applied going forward.
Key Takeaways
- ›Review and update internal coding references before the update takes effect, not after
- ›High-volume core codes deserve priority review given their outsized billing impact
- ›Cross-check internal materials against a maintained external reference each year
For a related look at anticipated bigger structural changes on the horizon, see our guide on [preparing for the 2027 maternity billing transition](/blog/preparing-for-2027-maternity-billing-changes).