This year’s completely updated 31st edition of Coding for Pediatrics includes all changes in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes―complete with expert guidance for their application. The 31st edition is based on the 2026 Current Procedural Terminology code changes and additions with guidelines for their application.
KEY UPDATES
- CPT 2026 code updates
- Coding for immunization counseling when one or more immunizations are not administered
- Appropriate use of new codes for immunization products and administration
- Reporting less than 20 minutes spent in monthly remote physiologic monitoring treatment management
- New codes for orthopedic and neurological services
- Updated compliance program guidance with examples for small and large practices
Coding for Pediatrics 2026 is divided into the following parts:
Part 1: Coding Basics and Business Essentials includes information on code sets, compliance, and business topics such as billing and payment methodologies.
Part 2: Primarily for the Office and Other Outpatient Settings includes information on coding and billing of services such as office visits, outpatient consultations, and preventive services.
Part 3: Primarily for Hospital Settings includes information on coding for inpatient and observation services, including newborn care and surgical procedures.
Part 4: Digital Medicine Services includes discussion of the evolving codes for reporting telemedicine services and remote monitoring and interpretation of patient data.
Appendixes include
o Quick Reference to 2025 ICD-10-CM Pediatric Code Changes
o Test Your Knowledge! answer key
Supplemental material is provided online, accessible with an access code, including a general documentation checklist, tracking worksheets for chronic care management, and care plan oversight services. A continuing education quiz to earn 4.0 continuing education units from the American Academy of Professional Coders is also available online.
The AAP Committee on Coding and Nomenclature (COCN) is responsible for reviewing all proposed changes to CPT and ICD-10-CM coding structures to determine whether the Academy will endorse the proposal; participates in the American Medical Association/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee's (RUC) survey process by validating clinical vignettes, evaluating survey data, and deciding on physician work and practice expense relative value units (RVUs) to recommend to the RUC; and serves as a review panel regarding other activities such as identifying Academy positions on the RBRVS. The COCN also monitors the Medicare RBRVS physician fee schedule and its adoption by private and public payers.
To update pediatricians on its activities, including the formal publication of new and revised CPT and ICD-10-CM coding structures and final values for CPT codes used by pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists, the COCN publishes periodic articles in AAP News along with a monthly coding column called Coding Corner.
