RETIRED - Correct Coding - Pneumatic Compression Devices and Related Appliances - Revised - JD DME

Article retired due to content incorporation into the applicable Local Coverage Determination or related Policy Article.

DME MAC Joint Publication

The original article "Correct Coding for Pneumatic Compression Devices" was published in August 2010. This revision provides additional information regarding the HCPCS coding requirements for these items.

Pneumatic compression devices (PCD) consist of an electrical pneumatic pump and an inflatable appliance that encloses the applicable body part. The pump fills the appliance with compressed air to predetermined pressures and intermittently alternates inflation and deflation to preset cycle times. The pressure and cycles vary between devices and, in some devices, are user-adjustable. Several types of PCDs exist. It is important to use the correct HCPCS codes for the PCD and related appliance.

The only products that may be billed to the DME MACs using codes E0650, E0651, E0652, and E0675 are those for which the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) contractor has completed a Coding Verification Review. The coding determination subsequently is published on the appropriate Product Classification List. Information concerning the documentation necessary to request a Coding Verification Review can be found on the PDAC web site or by contacting the PDAC.

PCDs for the Treatment of Lymphedema or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) With Ulcers

PCDs used for the treatment of lymphedema or CVI with ulcers are coded based upon the characteristics of the compression pump. The only HCPCS codes for PCDs used to treat lymphedema or CVI with ulcers are:

• E0650 - PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, NON-SEGMENTAL HOME MODEL
• E0651 - PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, SEGMENTAL HOME MODEL WITHOUT CALIBRATED GRADIENT PRESSURE
• E0652 - PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, SEGMENTAL HOME MODEL WITH CALIBRATED GRADIENT PRESSURE

The HCPCS codes used for the inflatable appliances used with PCDs E0650-E0652 are:

• E0655 - NON-SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, HALF ARM
• E0656 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, TRUNK
• E0657 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, CHEST
• E0660 - NON-SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, FULL LEG
• E0665 - NON-SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, FULL ARM
• E0666 - NON-SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, HALF LEG
• E0667 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, FULL LEG
• E0668 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, FULL ARM
• E0669 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, HALF LEG
• E0670 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, INTEGRATED, 2 FULL LEGS AND TRUNK
• E0671 - SEGMENTAL GRADIENT PRESSURE PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE, FULL LEG
• E0672 - SEGMENTAL GRADIENT PRESSURE PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE, FULL ARM
• E0673 - SEGMENTAL GRADIENT PRESSURE PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE, HALF LEG

A non-segmented pneumatic compressor (E0650) is a device that has a single outflow port on the compressor. Pressurized air from the single outflow port is transmitted to an appliance with a single or multiple segments. The segment(s) inflate and deflate based upon the specified pressure and cycle times. The number of segments contained in the appliance does not affect HCPCS coding of the compressor. Appliances appropriate for use with an E0650 PCD are E0655, E0660-E0666, and E0671-E0673.

A segmented pneumatic compressor (E0651, E0652) is a device that has multiple outflow ports on the compressor. Pressurized air from the outflow ports lead to corresponding segments on the appliance. The segments inflate and deflate based upon the specified pressures and cycle times.

A segmented device without calibrated gradient pressure (E0651) is one in which either the same pressure is present in each segment or there is a predetermined pressure gradient in successive segments. E0651 PCDs have no ability to individually set or adjust pressures in separate appliance segments. In an E0651 PCD, the pressure is usually set by a single control on the distal segment. Appliances appropriate for use with an E0651 PCD are E0667-E0669.

A segmented device with calibrated gradient pressure (E0652) is characterized by manual control on at least three outflow ports that can deliver an individually determined pressure to each corresponding appliance segment. Use of tubing and/or appliances that are capable of creating a pressure gradient independently from the compressor does not qualify to classify the compressor as E0652. These methods are not considered as calibrated gradient pressure. Appliances appropriate for use with an E0652 PCD are E0656, E0657, and E0667-E0669.

All limb appliances (E0655, E0660-E0673) used with PCDs E0650-E0652 must enclose the affected limb(s) sufficiently to prevent retrograde edema fluid flow distally or, conversely, to avoid a tourniquet effect during compression that would prevent distal fluid from moving proximally. Appliances that create a tourniquet effect or cause retrograde flow of edema fluid must be coded A4600 - APPLIANCE FOR INTERMITTENT LIMB COMPRESSION DEVICE, REPLACEMENT ONLY, EACH.

PCDs for the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease

The only HCPCS code for PCDs used for the treatment of peripheral artery disease is:

• E0675 - PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION DEVICE, HIGH PRESSURE, RAPID INFLATION/DEFLATION CYCLE, FOR ARTERIAL INSUFFICIENCY (UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL SYSTEM)

The HCPCS codes used for the inflatable appliances used with PCD E0675 are:

• E0667 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, FULL LEG
• E0668 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, FULL ARM
• E0669 - SEGMENTAL PNEUMATIC APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC COMPRESSOR, HALF LEG

An E0675 is a PCD that delivers high pressure and rapid inflation/deflation cycles for the treatment of arterial insufficiency (peripheral artery disease). E0675 is all-inclusive, i.e. all product variations in pressures, cycle characteristics, timing, control systems, appliance configurations, etc. (not all-inclusive) are considered as described by the code. Appliances appropriate for use with an E0675 PCD are E0667-E0669.

PCDs for Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

The only HCPCS code for PCDs used for the prevention of DVT is:

• E0676 - INTERMITTENT LIMB COMPRESSION DEVICE (INCLUDES All ACCESSORIES), NOT OTHERWISE SPECFIED

The appliance(s) and any other accessories, options and supplies used with PCD E0676 are included in the payment for HCPCS code E0676 at the time of initial issue and must not be billed separately to Medicare. If a supplier chooses to bill separately for these items at the time of initial issue, then HCPCS code A9900 - MISCELLANEOUS DME SUPPLY, ACCESSORY, AND/OR SERVICE COMPONENT OF ANOTHER HCPCS CODE must be used to bill Medicare for the item(s).

HCPCS code A4600 - APPLIANCE FOR INTERMITTENT LIMB COMPRESSION DEVICE, REPLACEMENT ONLY, EACH is used only when the appliance used with an E0676 device is being replaced. HCPCS codes E0655-E0673 must not be used when billing for appliances used with E0676 devices.

Refer to the Pneumatic Compression Devices Local Coverage Determination and related Policy Article for additional information on coverage, documentation and coding.

For questions about correct coding, contact the Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) Contractor Contact Center at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or e-mail the PDAC by completing the DME PDAC Contact Form.