HCPCS Codes K1018 and K1019 - Correct Coding - Revised

Joint DME MAC Publication
Posted December 28, 2023

Effective for dates of service on or after April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services created two new HCPCS codes K1018 and K1019.

K1018 - EXTERNAL UPPER LIMB TREMOR STIMULATOR OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVES OF THE WRIST

K1019 - SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES FOR EXTERNAL UPPER LIMB TREMOR STIMULATOR OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVES OF THE WRIST

Code K1018 describes devices that stimulate peripheral nerves to treat essential tremor. The devices and associated supplies are limb-specific (i.e., right or left upper extremity); consequently, the RT (right) and LT (left) modifiers must be used when billing codes K1018 and K1019. As a reminder, when billing both the RT and LT modifiers on the same claim, separate claim lines must be used.

For claims with dates of service (DOS) on or after February 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, K1018 must be billed with an RT or LT modifier and the NU (new), UE (used), or RR (rental) modifier. Modifiers NU, UE, and RR are not required for code K1019.

For claims with DOS on or after October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023, K1018 must be billed with an RT or LT modifier and the RR (rental) modifier, along with a KH (first rental month), KI (second and third rental months), or KJ (fourth to the thirteenth rental months) modifier. Modifiers KH, KI, KJ, and RR are not required for code K1019.

For questions about correct coding, contact the Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) HCPCS Helpline at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 9:30 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday. You may also visit the PDAC website to chat with a representative, or select the Contact Us button at the top of the PDAC website for email, FAX or postal mail information.

Publication History

Date of Change Description
01/20/22 Originally Published
12/01/22 Revised to include modifier information for claims with dates of service on or after October 1, 2022. Revised to update the long descriptor for HCPCS code K1019, effective October 1, 2022.
03/23/23 Revised to update the long descriptor for HCPCS code K1019, effective April 1, 2023.
12/28/23 Revised to include "December 31, 2023" as the end date for the K1018 and K1019 code effectiveness, as well as the end date for the coding guidance; Note: K1018 and K1019 are transitioning to permanent HCPCS codes, effective January 1, 2024.
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