Double Reimbursement, Smarter Strategy: The Case for CCTA Expansion

The landscape of cardiovascular care is changing quickly, and organizations that act now can gain a significant advantage. Recent reimbursement changes for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) and AI-driven plaque analysis have opened the door for hospitals and health systems to rethink their approach to cardiac imaging and invasive diagnostics. For years, experts predicted that CCTA would become the primary imaging modality for coronary artery disease, reducing the need for invasive diagnostic catheterizations. That prediction is now becoming reality. With Medicare reimbursements for CCTA doubling in 2025 and new Category I CPT codes for AI-based plaque analysis launching in January 2026, adoption is expected to accelerate dramatically.

AI-powered tools now allow clinicians to quantify plaque burden, assess fractional flow reserve (FFR), and personalize treatment plans—all without an invasive procedure. Patients benefit from advanced imaging rather than undergoing unnecessary catheterizations, which improves satisfaction and outcomes. At the same time, many organizations have focused on expanding electrophysiology (EP) and structural heart programs, where the most significant growth is occurring. These procedures, however, are time-intensive and have created a bottleneck in cath labs. Adding another cath lab often requires major capital investment and space allocation—challenges that can delay growth and strain budgets.

Shifting diagnostic cases to CCTA for low- to moderate-risk chest pain patients can free up valuable cath lab time for EP and structural heart interventions or for higher-acuity interventional cases that generate greater revenue. This approach not only optimizes resources but also aligns with patient preferences for non-invasive testing. With new reimbursement codes for CCTA and AI plaque analysis, organizations can capture revenue while reducing downstream costs and procedures. These changes make CCTA not just clinically advantageous but financially compelling.

Starting January 2026, AI-driven plaque quantification and characterization will have its own CPT code (75577), further incentivizing adoption. Vendors and early adopters are already moving quickly to integrate these technologies—don’t let your organization fall behind. Corazon has the expertise to help you develop and implement a successful CCTA program, ensuring you capitalize on these reimbursement changes while optimizing your invasive and interventional cardiology services. From strategic planning to operational execution, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Ready to take advantage of this opportunity? Contact Corazon today to start building your CCTA program and position your organization for growth.

By Michelle Luffey