The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for 2019, and there were a few minor changes. Below is a complete breakdown of the code changes which will be effective for claims with a date of service on or after January 1, 2019.
New Codes
| Code | Descriptor |
| A5514 | For diabetics only, multiple density inserts, made by direct carving with cam technology from a rectified cad model created from a digitized scan of the patient, total contact with patient’s foot, including arch, base layer minimum of 3/16 inch material of shore a 35 durometer (or higher), includes arch filler and other shaping material, custom fabricated, each |
| L8701 | Powered upper extremity range of motion assist device, elbow, wrist, hand with single or double upright(s), includes microprocessor, sensors, all components and accessories, custom fabricated |
| L8702 | Powered upper extremity range of motion assist device, elbow, wrist, hand, finger, single or double upright(s), includes microprocessor, sensors, all components and accessories, custom fabricated |
Changes in Code Descriptors
| Code | New Descriptor | Old Descriptor |
| A5513
|
For diabetics only, multiple density inserts, custom molded from model of patient’s foot, total contact with patient’s foot, including arch, base layer minimum of 3/16 inch material of shore a 35 durometer (or higher), includes arch filler and other shaping material, custom fabricated, each | For diabetics only, multiple density inserts, custom molded from model of patient’s foot, total contact with patient’s foot, including arch, base layer minimum of 3/16 inch material of shore a 35 durometer or higher, includes arch filler and other shaping material, custom fabricated, each |
The change in the descriptor is a minor grammatical change, and not an actual change in the code verbiage. The new descriptor places parenthesis around the phrase or higher. The change makes the descriptor in line with the verbiage of the A5512 and the new A5514.
Deleted Codes
| Code | Descriptor |
| K0903 | For diabetics only, multiple density inserts, made by direct carving with cam technology from a rectified cad model created from a digitized scan of the patient, total contact with patient’s foot, including arch, base layer minimum of 3/16 inch material of shore a 35 durometer (or higher), includes arch filler and other shaping material, custom fabricated, each |
The temporary K code, K0903, which has been active since April 1, 2018 has been deleted and will be cross walked to the newly created A5514 code.
AOPA’s Coding and Reimbursement Committee will review the list of changes and provide appropriate comments to CMS.
As a reminder registration is still open for the December 12, 2018 AOPAversity webinar (New Codes, Medicare Changes & Updates), which will focus on the changes to the HCPCS code set and any other upcoming Medicare changes which may impact your business in 2019.
Questions regarding the code changes may be directed to Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org.