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Changes Coming in January to Global Maternity Care and Delivery Coding
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont·VT · OB-GYN·Coding
Effective date
Sep 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Starting September 1, 2026, maternity care billing changes from global codes to itemized billing. First prenatal visits must use E/M codes with modifier -TH plus Z3A gestation codes, with full transition to new CPT codes effective January 1, 2027.
Action Required
By September 1, 2026: Billing team must update system to bill first prenatal visits with E/M codes + modifier -TH and appropriate Z3A gestation codes instead of global maternity codes. Update encounter forms and train staff on new E/M documentation requirements for MDM or time. Continue using codes 59425/59426 for prenatal care with dates of service before September 1, 2026. Prepare for complete transition to new 2027 CPT maternity codes by January 1, 2027.