A4638 HCPCS code: Replacement battery for patient-owned ear pulse generator, each
A4638 is the HCPCS Level II code for replacement battery for patient-owned ear pulse generator, each. 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 DME suppliers.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | A codes — Transportation, medical/surgical supplies and miscellaneous |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 32 — DMEPOS: inexpensive or routinely purchased item |
| BETOS category | D1E — Other durable medical equipment |
| Added | 2004-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2004-01-01 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| DME suppliers | 2 | Clinical: Data |
What changed for A4638
- 2004-01-01: A4638 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 A4638?
A4638 is the HCPCS Level II code for replacement battery for patient-owned ear pulse generator, each. Short descriptor: "Repl batt pulse gen sys".
Does Medicare cover A4638?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
How many units of A4638 can be billed per day?
2 on DME suppliers (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related A46 codes
- A4600 — Sleeve for intermittent limb compression device, replacement only, each
- A4601 — Lithium ion battery, rechargeable, for non-prosthetic use, replacement
- A4602 — Replacement battery for external infusion pump owned by patient, lithium, 1.5 volt, each ($5.31–$6.33)
- A4604 — Tubing with integrated heating element for use with positive airway pressure device ($49.31–$76.79)
- A4605 — Tracheal suction catheter, closed system, each ($23.31–$27.99)
- A4606 — Oxygen probe for use with oximeter device, replacement
- A4608 — Transtracheal oxygen catheter, each ($71.44–$85.73)
- A4611 — Battery, heavy duty; replacement for patient owned ventilator
- A4612 — Battery cables; replacement for patient-owned ventilator
- A4613 — Battery charger; replacement for patient-owned ventilator
- A4614 — Peak expiratory flow rate meter, hand held ($33.89–$40.68)
- A4615 — Cannula, nasal ($1.04–$1.25)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under A4638
- Watch A4638 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A4638
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; 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.