A4556 HCPCS code: Electrodes, (e.g., apnea monitor), per pair
A4556 is the HCPCS Level II code for electrodes, (e.g., apnea monitor), per pair. The 2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule pays $10.08 to $17.31 depending on the state. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case. The NCCI unit limit is 2 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Its average fee ranks 7 of 14 A45 codes (family range $0.13–$1,672.60).
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | A codes — Transportation, medical/surgical supplies and miscellaneous |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 34 — DMEPOS: supplies necessary for the effective use of DME |
| BETOS category | D1E — Other durable medical equipment |
| Added | 1984-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2000-01-01 |
2026 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule for A4556
| Modifier | Meaning | Lowest state fee | Highest state fee | Ceiling | Floor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | base fee | $10.08 | $17.31 | $17.31 | $14.71 |
| State | Modifier | Fee | Rural fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | — | $14.37 | — |
| AL | — | $17.31 | — |
| AR | — | $17.31 | — |
| AZ | — | $17.31 | — |
| CA | — | $14.71 | — |
| CO | — | $17.31 | — |
| CT | — | $17.31 | — |
| DC | — | $14.71 | — |
| DE | — | $17.31 | — |
| FL | — | $15.41 | — |
| GA | — | $17.31 | — |
| HI | — | $15.37 | — |
| IA | — | $14.71 | — |
| ID | — | $14.71 | — |
| IL | — | $14.71 | — |
| IN | — | $17.31 | — |
| KS | — | $14.71 | — |
| KY | — | $14.81 | — |
| LA | — | $17.31 | — |
| MA | — | $14.71 | — |
| MD | — | $17.31 | — |
| ME | — | $14.71 | — |
| MI | — | $17.31 | — |
| MN | — | $14.71 | — |
| MO | — | $14.71 | — |
| MS | — | $14.71 | — |
| MT | — | $17.31 | — |
| NC | — | $14.71 | — |
| ND | — | $17.31 | — |
| NE | — | $14.71 | — |
| NH | — | $14.71 | — |
| NJ | — | $17.31 | — |
| NM | — | $17.31 | — |
| NV | — | $17.31 | — |
| NY | — | $17.31 | — |
| OH | — | $17.31 | — |
| OK | — | $17.31 | — |
| OR | — | $16.89 | — |
| PA | — | $14.71 | — |
| PR | — | $10.08 | — |
| RI | — | $17.31 | — |
| SC | — | $14.71 | — |
| SD | — | $17.31 | — |
| TN | — | $14.71 | — |
| TX | — | $17.31 | — |
| UT | — | $14.71 | — |
| VA | — | $17.31 | — |
| VI | — | $17.31 | — |
| VT | — | $14.71 | — |
| WA | — | $14.71 | — |
| WI | — | $17.31 | — |
| WV | — | $14.71 | — |
| WY | — | $17.31 | — |
How the A4556 fee compares
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Rank among 14 A45 codes (lowest = 1) | 7 |
| Family fee range (average of state fees) | $0.13–$1,672.60 |
| Rural fee uplift | — |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 2 | Clinical: Data |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A52520: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS) - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
- A52713: Transcutaneous Electrical Joint Stimulation Devices (TEJSD) - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
What changed for A4556
- 2026-01-01: Average state fee rose 2.0%: $15.65 to $15.96
- 1984-01-01: A4556 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code A4556?
A4556 is the HCPCS Level II code for electrodes, (e.g., apnea monitor), per pair. Short descriptor: "Electrodes, pair".
How much does Medicare pay for A4556?
Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule, non-rural state fees are base (base fee): $10.08–$17.31. Rural fees can be higher.
Does Medicare cover A4556?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Did the Medicare fee for A4556 change in 2026?
The average non-rural state fee moved from $15.65 in 2025 to $15.96 in 2026 (+2.0%). CMS's next quarterly HCPCS and DMEPOS update takes effect January 1, 2027.
How many units of A4556 can be billed per day?
2 on outpatient hospital claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related A45 codes
- A4500 — Surgical stockings below knee length, each
- A4510 — Surgical stockings full length, each
- A4520 — Incontinence garment, any type, (e.g., brief, diaper), each
- A4540 — Distal transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, stimulates peripheral nerves of the upper arm
- A4541 — Monthly supplies for use of device coded at e0733 ($40.40–$49.25)
- A4542 — Supplies and accessories for external upper limb tremor stimulator of the peripheral nerves of the wrist ($526.85–$526.85)
- A4543 — Supplies for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, for nerves in the auricular region, per month
- A4544 — Electrode for external lower extremity nerve stimulator for restless legs syndrome ($6.34–$6.34)
- A4545 — Supplies and accessories for external tibial nerve stimulator (e.g., socks, gel pads, electrodes, etc.), needed for one month ($38.21–$55.51)
- A4550 — Surgical trays
- A4553 — Non-disposable underpads, all sizes
- A4554 — Disposable underpads, all sizes
Building a device that would bill under a code like this? Caduvo matches a device description to HCPCS/CPT codes, Medicare coverage and payment, and the FDA pathway in one report.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under A4556
- Watch A4556 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A4556
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.