A9553 HCPCS code: Chromium cr-51 sodium chromate, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 250 microcuries
A9553 is the HCPCS Level II code for chromium cr-51 sodium chromate, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 250 microcuries. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on outpatient hospital claims.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | A codes — Transportation, medical/surgical supplies and miscellaneous |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 53 |
| BETOS category | I1E |
| Added | 2006-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2026-01-01 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | Code Descriptor / CPT Instruction |
| practitioner claims | 1 | Code Descriptor / CPT Instruction |
What changed for A9553
- 2006-01-01: A9553 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 A9553?
A9553 is the HCPCS Level II code for chromium cr-51 sodium chromate, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 250 microcuries. Short descriptor: "Cr51 chromate".
Does Medicare cover A9553?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
How many units of A9553 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related A95 codes
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- A9503 — Technetium tc-99m medronate, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 30 millicuries
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- A9507 — Indium in-111 capromab pendetide, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 10 millicuries
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under A9553
- Watch A9553 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A9553
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.