Medical Coding Update Calendar
Confirmed effective dates for code set, payment-rule and policy changes — each linked to its authoritative source. We list a specific date only after it is confirmed by an official source.
Confirmed upcoming dates
| Date | Event | Topic | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2027 ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code sets take effect Applies to discharges and patient encounters on or after October 1, 2026. | ICD-10-CM | CMS — ICD-10 (opens in a new tab) | |
| FY 2027 IPPS/LTCH PPS final rule (CMS-1849-F) takes effect New MS-DRG relative weights and FY 2027 inpatient payment rates apply. | CMS & Medicare | CMS — FY 2027 IPPS Final Rule Home Page (opens in a new tab) | |
| CJR-X episode-based payment model scheduled to begin Start date as finalized in the FY 2027 IPPS/LTCH PPS final rule. Confirm against CMS before relying on it. | CMS & Medicare | CMS — FY 2027 IPPS Final Rule Home Page (opens in a new tab) |
The annual update cycle
These are the recurring patterns that shape the coding year. They are typical cycles, not confirmed dates — the exact date for any given year is added above once an official source confirms it.
| When | What usually happens | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Annual CPT code set changes take effect | AMA — CPT (opens in a new tab) |
| January 1 | Calendar-year Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and OPPS final rules generally take effect | Federal Register (opens in a new tab) |
| January, April, July, October | Quarterly HCPCS Level II updates | CMS — HCPCS (opens in a new tab) |
| January, April, July, October | Quarterly NCCI edit updates (PTP and MUE) | CMS — NCCI (opens in a new tab) |
| January 1 and July 1 (release cycle) | CPT Category III code releases (twice yearly, effective after a waiting period) | AMA — CPT (opens in a new tab) |
| April 1 (when needed) | Possible mid-year ICD-10-CM / ICD-10-PCS update | CMS — ICD-10 (opens in a new tab) |
| Spring (typically) | IPPS/LTCH PPS proposed rule for the next fiscal year | CMS — Acute Inpatient PPS (opens in a new tab) |
| Summer (typically) | ICD-10-CM / PCS code files for the next fiscal year released; IPPS final rule | CMS — ICD-10 (opens in a new tab) |
| Summer (typically) | MPFS and OPPS proposed rules for the next calendar year | Federal Register (opens in a new tab) |
| October 1 | New fiscal-year ICD-10-CM / ICD-10-PCS code sets and IPPS rates take effect | CMS — ICD-10 (opens in a new tab) |
| Late autumn (typically) | MPFS and OPPS final rules for the next calendar year | Federal Register (opens in a new tab) |