MedicaidBilling CodesHigh impact
2026 Annual and Quarter 1 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Level II (HCPCS) Code, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and ASC Code Conversion
Arkansas Medicaid·AR · Audiology, Dentistry, OB-GYN +7 more·Coding
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Mar 10, 2026
Summary
Arkansas Department of Human Services updated 2026 HCPCS, CPT, and ASC procedure codes effective January 1, 2026. New codes become payable starting 1/1/2026, while terminated codes become non-payable after 12/31/2025. The policy includes mass claim adjustments for terminated codes and requires providers to submit claim adjustments within the 365-day filing deadline.
Action Required
By December 31, 2025: Billing team must update billing system and fee schedules to deactivate all terminated/end-dated procedure codes. By January 1, 2026: Activate all new 2026 payable codes in billing software. Update encounter forms and templates across all provider types (audiologists, dentists, CNMs, home health, hospitals, nurse practitioners, pharmacies, physicians). For all claims with CMS terminated codes paid before 12/31/2025, prepare for mass adjustments and recoupment by Arkansas DHS; verify claim status in system. Verify prior authorization requirements for codes with "Y" in PA column (C9307, C9309, J1837, J3387, J3389, J9282, J9326, Q5160) and update workflow. Ensure all drug procedure codes include NDC billing protocol except radiopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and allergen immunotherapy. Submit any necessary claim adjustments and PA revisions to approving entities before the 365-day filing deadline. Train all billing staff on new payability rules by specialty and provider type.