This years completely updated 31st edition of Coding for Pediatrics includes all changes in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT (R)) 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 immunization(s) is not administered
• Appropriate use of new codes for immunization products and administration
• Reporting <20 minutes spent in monthly remote physiologic monitoring treatment management
• New codes for orthopedic and neurologic 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 Committees (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.

 Foreword
Acknowledgments
Quick Reference to 2026 CPT (R) Pediatric Code Changes
How to Use This Manual
Coding for Pediatrics 2025 Road Map

PART 1. CODING BASICS AND BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
Chapter 1 The Basics of Coding
Chapter 2 Coding Edits and Modifiers
Chapter 3 Coding to Demonstrate Quality and Value
Chapter 4 The Business of Medicine: Working With Current and Emerging Payment Systems
Chapter 5 Preventing Fraud and Abuse: Compliance, Audits, and Paybacks
Chapter 6 Evaluation and Management Documentation Guidelines

PART 2. PRIMARILY FOR THE OFFICE AND OTHER OUTPATIENT SETTINGS
Chapter 7 Non-Preventive Evaluation and Management Services in Outpatient Settings
Chapter 8 Preventive Services
Chapter 9 Indirect Management of Chronic and Complex Conditions
Chapter 10 Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Chapter 11 Common Testing and Therapeutic Services
Chapter 12 Nonphysician Qualified Health Care Professional Services
Chapter 13 Surgery, Infusion, and Sedation in the Outpatient Setting

PART 3. PRIMARILY FOR HOSPITAL SETTINGS
Chapter 14 Emergency Department Services
Chapter 15 Hospital Care of the Newborn
Chapter 16 Noncritical Hospital Evaluation and Management Services
Chapter 17 Critical and Intensive Care
Chapter 18 Common Surgical Procedures and Sedation in Facility Settings

PART 4. DIGITAL MEDICINE SERVICES
Chapter 19 General Telemedicine Coding and Documentation Concepts
Chapter 20 Outpatient Telemedicine and Online Digital Services
Chapter 21 Remote Data Collection and Monitoring Services

APPENDIXES
I. Quick Reference to 2025 ICD-10-CM Pediatric Code Changes
II. Pediatric Immunization Codes and Components
III. Test Your Knowledge! Answer Key

INDEXES
Subject Index
Code Index
AAP/Bright Futures "Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care" (Periodicity Schedule) .