Retired - HCPCS Codes K1018 and K1019 - Correct Coding - Revised

Joint DME MAC Article

Effective for dates of service on or after April 1, 2021, 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 - REPLACEMENT 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) February 1, 2022 - 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, 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.