For the 2026 ICD-10-CM code updates, you’ll find 16 new “R” codes that offer greater detail for reporting pain and tenderness in the pelvic, perineal, subpubic, abdominal, and flank regions. The existing code R10.2- (Pelvic and perineal pain) will become a parent code.
A notable addition is R11.16 (Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)), specifically for nausea and vomiting in long-term cannabis users. There are also five new codes for more precise reporting of costovertebral (angle) tenderness.
For immunological findings, among the 2026 ICD-10-CM code updates, R76.8- (Other specified abnormal immunological findings in serum) will convert to a parent code, and you’ll use R76.89 (Other specified abnormal immunological findings in serum) to report raised immunoglobulin levels (NOS).
Expanded “Z” Codes for More Context
The FY 2026 update enhances the reporting of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Z59.86- (Financial insecurity) is now a parent code with three new, more specific options. Additionally, three new codes under Z77.3- (Contact with and (suspected) exposure to war theater) will allow you to document patients’ exposure to war.
Food allergies can now be documented with greater specificity. Z91.011- (Allergy to milk products) and Z91.012 (Allergy to eggs) have both been converted to parent codes, each with three new, more detailed sub-codes.
Important Oncology Updates
Significant changes are coming for oncology coding:
- C50.A- (Malignant inflammatory neoplasm of breast) is a new parent code for three new inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) codes.
- D71.- (Functional disorders of polymorphonuclear neutrophils) becomes a parent code for three new codes.
- Z15.0- (Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm) gains Z15.06.- (Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of digestive system) as a parent code, with more specific options for colorectal cancer (Z15.060) and other digestive system malignant neoplasms (Z15.068).
Emergency Department Coding Adjustments
ED coders will see more codes for contusions, abrasions, and blisters of the abdominal wall, groin, and flank. New parent codes include:
- S30.11- (Contusion of abdominal wall)
- S30.12- (Contusion of groin)
- S30.13- (Contusion of flank (latus) region)
For adverse reactions to food, particularly anaphylactic reactions to dairy or egg products, new codes like T78.07- (Anaphylactic reaction due to milk and dairy products with tolerance to baked milk) and T87.080- (Anaphylactic reaction due to egg with tolerance to baked egg) are being introduced.
MS Code Set Expands for Neurosurgery and Neurology
Changes to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) codes include G35.- (Multiple sclerosis) becoming a parent code, offering options for reporting different types of MS, such as relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS.
New codes are also available for congenital malformations and Usher syndrome. Neurodevelopmental disorders linked to specific genetic pathogenic variants will now fall under the new parent code QA0.- (Neurodevelopmental disorders related to specific genetic pathogenic variants).
New Eye Condition Diagnosis Codes to Recognize
Chapter 7 of the ICD-10-CM code book will see significant changes with the 2026 ICD-10-CM code updates, including 19 new codes and one code converted to a parent. The new parent code, H01.8- (Other specified inflammations of eyelid), introduces several new eyelid inflammation codes, such as H01.81 (Other specified inflammation of right upper eyelid), offering greater specificity for eye conditions
Additionally, new parent code H05.83- (Thyroid orbitopathy) and H40.84- (Neovascular secondary angle closure glaucoma) will offer laterality options.
Musculoskeletal Modifications to Master
Chapter 13 receives one new code: M05.A (Abnormal rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibody with rheumatoid arthritis).
Other musculoskeletal changes include:
- M21.159 (Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, unspecified hip) is revised to specify “hip” in the descriptor.
- M24.076 (Loose body in unspecified toe joint(s)) can be assigned for conditions in one or multiple toe joints.
- M61.129 (Myositis ossificans progressiva, unspecified upper arm) is revised to specify its application to either the upper right or upper left arm.
New Genitourinary Codes to Note
Two new subcategories are added to the genitourinary section:
- N00.B- (Acute nephritic syndrome with immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis) is expanded with two codes:
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- N00.B1 (Acute nephritic syndrome with idiopathic immune membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN))
- N00.B2 (Acute nephritic syndrome with secondary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN))
- N04.B- (Nephrotic syndrome with immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN)) is also expanded with two codes:
- N04.B1 (Nephrotic syndrome with idiopathic immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN))
- N04.B2 (Nephrotic syndrome with secondary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN))
Finally, N07.B (Hereditary nephropathy, not elsewhere classified with APOL1-mediated kidney disease [AMKD]) is added to the “N” codes.