As we head into 2026, the AMA’s CPT® code set undergoes one of its largest annual updates adding 288 new codes, revising existing ones, and removing outdated entries. This year’s changes reflect major trends in remote monitoring, digital health, AI diagnostics, and ophthalmic diagnostics. For optometry practices, understanding which CPT codes are new or updated can help you optimize billing, reduce denials, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
New Codes Optometry Practices Should Know
While the full CPT-2026 book includes codes for all specialties, here are the key eye care-related CPT updates that matter most for optometry billing:
92288 – Screen Dark Adaptation Measurement
What it is: This new code is used for screening dark adaptation testing, measuring how well the eye adjusts in low light.
Example: A patient complaining of night-driving difficulties undergoes dark adaptation screening billable with CPT 92288.
Why it matters: Practices offering advanced diagnostic testing can now report this service clearly and consistently.
Revised Ophthalmology Codes
92284 – Diagnostic Dark Adaptation Exam (Updated)
What changed: The descriptor of this existing code was updated to clarify its use for a diagnostic dark adaptation exam (rod and cone sensitivities), distinct from screening 92288.
Example: A full diagnostic test of photoreceptor function with interpretation and reporting CPT 92284.
Medicare Reimbursement: $50-$70 range for the global fee, with a national average payment around $58-$60.
New Category III Codes for Advanced Ophthalmic Services
Category III codes represent emerging procedures and technologies that are not yet widely adopted but are recognized as distinct services.
Here are a few relevant additions for optometry or closely aligned eye care specialties:
- 0996T: A code for insertion and fixation of intraocular prosthesis, often performed in specialized settings.
- 1010T: Computerized ophthalmic analysis of monocular eye movements using retinal-based eye tracking.
- 1012T: Additional advanced ophthalmic procedure (refer to full CPT book for official descriptor).
Example: When performing retinal-based eye-tracking for complex binocular disorders, CPT 1010T may be used.
Remote Monitoring: New Short-Duration CPT Codes
One of the most impactful changes in the 2026 CPT update is the expansion of remote monitoring codes, a trend many optometry practices (especially those using tele-ophthalmology tools) can benefit from.
99445 – Device Supply with 2–15 Days of Monitoring
What it is: This new code lets practices report short-duration remote physiologic monitoring (2–15 days of device data transmission) previously only billable for 16+ days.
Example: A wearable vision monitoring device utility with daily data over a two-week period billable as CPT 99445 (2–15 days of readings).
Medicare Reimbursement: Approximately $47, with rates varying slightly by location.
99470 – Remote Monitoring Treatment Management (10 Minutes)
What it is: This new remote monitoring treatment management code lets you bill for 10–19 minutes of clinical time managing remote data, lowering the old threshold from 20 minutes.
Example: Reviewing a patient’s remote visual function data and making a management plan in a documented synchronous communication for 12 minutes report CPT 99470.
Medicare Reimbursement: Approximately $26.
Other Remote Monitoring Codes (Worth Knowing)
While not specific to eye care per se, practices involved in remote therapeutic or physiologic monitoring may see revenue opportunities with these new code structures:
- Codes in the 98XX4/99XX4 family for device supply over shorter timeframes.
- Revised guidelines for traditional monitoring codes (e.g., 99454, 99457, 99458).
These changes open up billing opportunities for services that previously couldn’t be captured due to minimum timing thresholds.
Why These 2026 CPT Updates Matter for Your Practice
Here’s why your billing team, clinical staff, and providers should pay attention:
Stay Reimbursement Ready
New codes let you capture services that weren’t clearly reportable before (like dark adaptation screening and short-term remote monitoring), helping reduce missed revenue.
Improve Claim Accuracy
Clearer code descriptors and revisions help coding teams select the right code the first time minimizing denials.
Leverage Telehealth & Remote Tools
With remote monitoring now more billable, optometry practices offering tele-ophthalmology services can earn reimbursement for shorter remote care windows.
Final Tip: Update Your Billing Tools
Make sure your practice management system and coding software are updated with the CPT-2026 code set and educate your billing team on these new and revised codes.