Retired - Correct Coding - Lithium Batteries - Updated

The DME MACs have recently noted confusion on the part of DMEPOS suppliers regarding the proper billing of lithium batteries. There are two types of lithium batteries: lithium batteries (standard) and lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries are commonly used in consumer electronic devices and are rechargeable. Standard lithium batteries are disposable, non-rechargeable batteries. Suppliers must take care to properly distinguish between lithium ion and lithium batteries when billing claims to Medicare.

The following HCPCS codes are used to correctly code lithium batteries:

Code A4235 describes a lithium battery, not a lithium ion battery. This code is used to bill lithium batteries for glucose monitors, regardless of the voltage.

Codes A4602, K0604 and K0605 describe lithium batteries commonly used in external infusion pumps. Note that each code has an associated voltage. Claims for lithium batteries for external insulin infusion pumps (E0784) that do not use a voltage described by either code A4602, K0604 and K0605 must be billed using code A9999.

Code A4601 describes a lithium ion battery, not a lithium battery. Suppliers billing code A4601 must include, in the claim narrative field:

• The type of base DME item for which A4601 is being used; and,
• The manufacturer, model number, and manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the battery.

Codes E2397 and L7367 describe lithium ion batteries for power wheelchairs and prosthetics, respectively.

Refer to the Contractor Supplier Manual, applicable Local Coverage Determination and related Policy Article for additional information about other coverage, coding and documentation requirements.

For questions about correct coding, contact the PDAC Contact Center at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or e-mail the PDAC by completing the DME PDAC Contact Form located on the PDAC website: https://www.dmepdac.com/