C1715 HCPCS code: Brachytherapy needle
C1715 is the HCPCS Level II code for brachytherapy needle. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. The NCCI unit limit is 45 per day on outpatient hospital claims.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | C codes — Outpatient PPS (hospital outpatient temporary codes) |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 53 |
| BETOS category | D1A — Medical/surgical supplies |
| Added | 2001-04-01 |
| Last action effective | 2004-01-01 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 45 | Clinical: Data |
| practitioner claims | 45 | Clinical: CMS Workgroup |
What changed for C1715
- 2001-04-01: C1715 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 C1715?
C1715 is the HCPCS Level II code for brachytherapy needle. Short descriptor: "Brachytherapy needle".
Does Medicare cover C1715?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C1715 can be billed per day?
45 on outpatient hospital claims; 45 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C17 codes
- C1713 — Anchor/screw for opposing bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone (implantable)
- C1714 — Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, directional
- C1716 — Brachytherapy source, non-stranded, gold-198, per source
- C1717 — Brachytherapy source, non-stranded, high dose rate iridium-192, per source
- C1719 — Brachytherapy source, non-stranded, non-high dose rate iridium-192, per source
- C1721 — Cardioverter-defibrillator, dual chamber (implantable)
- C1722 — Cardioverter-defibrillator, single chamber (implantable)
- C1724 — Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, rotational
- C1725 — Catheter, transluminal angioplasty, non-laser (may include guidance, infusion/perfusion capability)
- C1726 — Catheter, balloon dilatation, non-vascular
- C1727 — Catheter, balloon tissue dissector, non-vascular (insertable)
- C1728 — Catheter, brachytherapy seed administration
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under C1715
- Watch C1715 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C1715
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; 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.