The 2026 ICD-10-CM codes take effect on October 1^st — which is just around the corner. If you want to avoid denials, claim rejections and chargebacks, you’ll need to get your systems updated well ahead of time.

Check out five steps that can help you prepare for the hundreds of changes coming to the 2026 ICD-10-CM code set.

1. Isolate the Codes You’ll Report Most

Your first step in preparing for the 2026 ICD-10-CM codes is to figure out which ones will be most relevant for your practice. This knowledge gives you the tools to get your entire staff ready.

For instance: If you’re working at an ophthalmology practice, you’ll want to take particular note of the new thyroid eye disease (TED) codes, such as H05.832 (Thyroid orbitopathy, left orbit). You’ll also want to look at the new eyelid inflammation (H01.8-) and glaucoma codes (H40.8-).

2. Update EHRs, Superbills

Once you have a handle on the new, revised and deleted diagnosis codes that will impact your practice most significantly in 2026, it’s the right time to start updating your software and paper documents. This includes your electronic health records, superbills, coding cheat sheets and other documents.

For instance, if your office is a pain practice, you’ll want to make sure you have the dozens of revised and new pain codes, such as R10.2- (Pelvic and perineal pain…) and R10.A1 (Flank pain…) reflected throughout your entire system.

3. Train Your Staff

You’ll want to train your entire administrative team on the 2026 ICD-10-CM codes so they’re prepared to look for new codes rather than defaulting to the older ones.

Give them real-world case studies and ask them to code from the new ICD-10-CM manual to ensure they know how to report all the new codes. This will keep your claims flowing smoothly when Oct. 1 arrives.

4. Educate the Clinicians

Even though your clinicians may not be personally choosing specific diagnosis codes, they do need to document appropriately so your staff can code correctly.

For example, if they’re used to documenting “non-pressure chronic ulcer,” that won’t cut it in 2026. Instead, they’ll need to document how deep the ulcer is, whether there’s any evidence of necrosis, which body part is affected and other details. If they don’t, the coders won’t be able to select the most accurate code and your claims will be denied.

5. Step Up Claims Reviews

This is a good time to launch prospective claim reviews, meaning you scrutinize your claims before sending them to your payer. This gives you a chance to ensure that everything is documented and coded correctly, and if it isn’t, then you can create an education program and update the staff on which errors you found. Fixing them quickly will give you the best chance of coding accuracy as you move deeper into the new year.