2027 Obstetric Coding Overhaul: Eliminating the Global OB Package, New CPT® Codes, and Billing Rules

The Obstetric Coding global package will be eliminated effective January 1, 2027. However, this does not mean organizations should wait until that date to begin preparing. This presentation is designed to provide the knowledge and guidance needed to successfully code obstetric claims under the new requirements effective January 1, 2027, while also outlining the steps that should be taken now to ensure a smooth transition.

During this webinar, we will review the actions providers should begin implementing today to prepare for these changes. We will introduce the new code set, including the addition of an entirely new category for labor management services, including trial of labor after a previous cesarean section. We will then discuss how these codes will be used, when they should be used, and what services they include. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the expectations surrounding the unbundling of the global obstetric package, including guidance on reporting prenatal care, labor management and delivery services, and postpartum visits under the new coding structure. The webinar will also cover the new codes for episiotomy and laceration repair, which have been highly requested. Finally, participants will learn how to bill for vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and multiple births under the new coding guidelines.

• Understand the new obstetric coding changes effective January 1, 2027.
• Code and bill prenatal visits correctly under the new guidelines.
• Report obstetric admissions and discharges accurately.
• Bill labor management services using the new codes.
• Know when to report trial of labor after a previous cesarean section (TOLAC).
• Apply the new delivery codes for vaginal and cesarean births.
• Bill the new episiotomy and laceration repair codes correctly.
• Report postpartum visits under the new coding structure.
• Code multiple births accurately using the updated guidelines.
• Prepare for the transition from the OB global package to the new coding system.

• Overview of the 2027 Obstetric Coding Changes
• Why the OB global package is being eliminated
• Overview of the 2027 CPT revisions
• Timeline for implementation
• 17 CPT codes deleted 
• 12 new CPT codes added 
• 6 CPT codes revised
•  New Maternity Care Code Structure
• Four phases of maternity care
• Antepartum, Labor Management, Delivery, and Postpartum
• How the new structure replaces global billing
• Antepartum (Prenatal) Care
• Reporting prenatal visits using E/M services
• Documentation requirements
• Transition from global OB billing
• New Labor Management Codes (59080–59083)
• Initial vs. subsequent day reporting
• Straightforward vs. complex labor management
• When labor management codes apply
• Vaginal Delivery Coding
• CPT 59431 – Vaginal delivery
• CPT 59432 – Vaginal delivery after previous cesarean (VBAC)
• Services included in the delivery codes
  
• Cesarean Delivery Coding
• CPT 59502 – Primary cesarean delivery
• CPT 59503 – Repeat cesarean delivery
• Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC)
• When labor management may be reported
• Documentation requirements
• Appropriate coding scenarios
  
• Episiotomy and Laceration Repair
• CPT 59433 – Third-degree repair
• CPT 59434 – Fourth-degree repair
• When repairs are separately reportable
•  Multiple Births
• Coding twins and higher-order multiple births
• Delivery reporting guidelines
• Common billing scenarios
• Postpartum Care
• Reporting postpartum visits with E/M codes
• Same-day postpartum services
• Post-delivery follow-up
• Codes Being Eliminated
• Review of deleted global OB codes
• Impact on current billing workflows
• Common coding changes providers will see
  
•  Documentation Essentials
• Documentation to support the new CPT codes
• Provider responsibilities
• Avoiding common documentation gaps
• Coding Examples
• Claims before January 1, 2027
• Claims after January 1, 2027
• Side-by-side coding comparisons
• Billing and Compliance Tips
• Common coding and billing errors
• Preparing for payer implementation
• Compliance best practices
•  Preparing for January 1, 2027
• Workflow updates for providers and coders
• Staff education and training
• Implementation checklist for a smooth transition
• Interactive Q&A Session  with Crystal Tompkins

• Obstetricians (OB Physicians)
• OB/GYN Physicians
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Specialists
• Certified Professional Coders (CPC®)
• Certified Coding Specialists (CCS®)
• OB/GYN Medical Coders
• Obstetric Medical Billers
•  Revenue Cycle Managers
• Revenue Integrity Professionals
• Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Specialists
• Coding Compliance Officers
• Healthcare Compliance Professionals
• OB/GYN Practice Managers
• Physician Practice Administrators
• Hospital Outpatient Coding Managers
• Women’s Health Service Line Directors
• Patient Financial Services (PFS) Managers
• Denials and Appeals Specialists
• Health Information Management (HIM) Professionals
• Coding Auditors

Crystal Tompkins, CDEO, CPMA, CPC, CPB, CRC, COBGC, RCMS, CPC-M, CPCO, AAPC Approved Instructor, AAPC SME Coding Education Speaker

Crystal Tompkins, CDEO, CPMA, CPC, CPB, CRC, COBGC, RCMS, CPC-M, CPCO is a nationally recognized medical coding educator, auditor, and subject matter expert with more than 11 years of experience in healthcare coding, compliance, and revenue cycle management. She serves as a Coding Educator and Auditor for Northeast Georgia Physician's Group and the Georgia Heart Institute, where she helps providers improve coding accuracy, optimize reimbursement, reduce claim denials, and maintain regulatory compliance.

An AAPC Approved Instructor, Crystal specializes in CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, medical auditing, denial management, clinical documentation, and physician education. She is passionate about helping healthcare professionals navigate complex coding requirements through practical, real-world education.

Crystal is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing the medical coding profession. She serves as President of her local AAPC chapter, regularly presents educational sessions for AAPC chapters across the country, and is a respected national speaker on medical coding and compliance topics. She has also been recognized as one of Hall County's Best Medical Educators for her outstanding contributions to healthcare education.

Known for her engaging teaching style and practical expertise, Crystal is dedicated to equipping coders, auditors, billers, and providers with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in today's evolving healthcare environment.