MMI (Medical Microinstruments Inc.) revealed that the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for lymphovenous bypass (LVB) surgery.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also finalized and released a payment rate for LVB procedures performed in outpatient settings, to be reflected in the CY 2026 OPPS Final Rule. These actions create initial reimbursement for a procedure that needed billing under unlisted surgical codes, until now.

The new Category III code, CPT 1019T Lymphovenous bypass, including robotic assistance, when performed, per extremity, will become effective in the U.S. on January 1, 2026.

Commercial health plans and government payers use CPT codes to describe healthcare services for reimbursement. This new code is intended to capture both manual and robotic-assisted lymphovenous bypass surgeries and allow procedure data collection needed to further advance reimbursement pathways.

Its release represents a reimbursement milestone as U.S. hospitals will be able to submit claims directly related to LVB procedures, supporting facility payment and expanded access to lymphedema treatment options.

The Symani surgical system, marketed as the only microsurgical robot approved for commercial use, allows surgeons to connect tiny lymphatic vessels to nearby veins, helping reroute fluid and relieve swelling. Early studies have demonstrated positive results, including reduced limb volume, less reliance on compression garments, and improved quality of life.

“This development marks a major step forward in making surgical treatment for lymphedema more widely available,” said Mark Toland, CEO of MMI. “We appreciate CMS and AMA’s leadership in recognizing the clinical and economic significance of these procedures. This code not only validates the importance and complexity of lymphatic surgery but also lays the groundwork for expanding patient access, advancing reimbursement policy, and driving broader adoption of innovative surgical techniques across the U.S.”

Lymphedema affects over250 million people globally, with most patients relying on lifelong symptom management like massage, compression garments, and manual drainage. While surgical options such as LVB offer the potential for lasting relief, adoption has been constrained by the complexity of the procedure and the limited number of surgeons using supermicrosurgical techniques on such small, delicate vessels.

Symani helps overcome these barriers by providing the precision and control needed to confidently perform LVB with consistency, the company said.

Last month, the company won U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for an investigational device exemption (IDE) study using a novel microsurgical intervention for Alzheimer’s disease.