Labor and Delivery Coverage Models in a Changing Coding Environment: Implications for Coverage Economics, Compensation Design, and Governance

Starting January 1, 2027, the American Medical Association (AMA) will revise the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding framework for maternity care, marking a structural shift in how professional work is defined and measured. These changes will impact provider arrangements, including compensation structures, laborist support models, and professional services agreements, while maintaining clinical coverage and staffing expectations. The updates emphasize attribution methodologies, compensation alignment, and governance oversight, requiring health systems to adapt to new operational and financial frameworks.