Coders’ Desk Reference for Procedures 2026

The Coders’ Desk Reference for Procedures 2026 is a comprehensive resource for all 2026 CPT codes. This all-inclusive procedure coding manual helps identify the minute differences and components of similar CPT codes.

You will code more accurately from operative reports and produce cleaner claims the first time by improving your understanding of the clinical meanings behind the codes, and checking billing and coding information for Medicare. Coders’ Desk Reference for Procedures provides lay descriptions for over 8.000 CPT codes identifying the minute differences and components of similar CPT codes, and was developed to work hand-in-hand with your Optum CPT code book to answer your toughest CPT coding questions.

Brand new feature added to this 2026 Coders’ Desk Reference:

• New – Larger 8.5” x 11” size. This full-size book contains all the same great information, now in a larger and easier to use format.

Key features and benefits of this Optum procedure coding guide:

• Comprehensive CPT code listing with CPT procedure lay descriptions. Eliminate the need for multiple resources with this one-stop resource of more than 8,000 CPT codes and 6,000 lay descriptions for surgery, laboratory/pathology, radiology, medicine, and evaluation and management codes.
• Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services Guidelines. Review components of care needed when determining E/M levels of service with the AMA CPT guidelines.
• Modifier definitions and usage rules. Reduce research time and improve coding accuracy with a complete modifier list, accompanied by narrative explanations to ensure proper use of modifiers.
• Procedure eponym crosswalk. Locate eponym definitions and code links in an alphabetically organized section.
• Reimbursement and procedure glossary of terms. Understand terminology often used in medical record documentation and terms used in communications with payers.
• Abbreviations, acronyms, symbols. A comprehensive glossary of unique “shorthand” terms in medical language to assist in more efficient CPT coding.
• Prefixes and suffixes glossary. Provides definitions medical language suffixes and prefixes.
• Anatomical illustrations. Recognize the body sites described in operative reports with helpful illustrations.
• Place of service codes. Review the list of CMS-1500 place of service codes linked to the appropriate place of service.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.