C1826 HCPCS code: Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), includes closed feedback loop leads and all implantable components, with rechargeable battery and charging system
C1826 is the HCPCS Level II code for generator, neurostimulator (implantable), includes closed feedback loop leads and all implantable components, with rechargeable battery and charging system. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $13,779.79 per service for C1826 across 102 services. 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 1 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Medicare volume rose 104% from 2023 to 2024 (50 to 102 services). In 2024, about 30 clinicians billed Medicare for C1826 for 102 beneficiaries.
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 | 2023-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2023-01-01 |
Who bills C1826 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 30 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 102 |
| States with claims | 3 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for C1826, 2023–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 50 | 50 | $19,175.63 | $15,278.14 |
| 2024 | 102 | 102 | $17,295.04 | $13,779.79 |
States with the most C1826 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 32 | $14,633.32 |
| Missouri | 14 | $19,207.30 |
| North Carolina | 13 | $9,427.41 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | Nature of Equipment |
| practitioner claims | 1 | Nature of Equipment |
What changed for C1826
- 2023-01-01: C1826 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 C1826?
C1826 is the HCPCS Level II code for generator, neurostimulator (implantable), includes closed feedback loop leads and all implantable components, with rechargeable battery and charging system. Short descriptor: "Gen, neuro, clo loop, rechg".
How much does Medicare pay for C1826?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $13,779.79 per service (average allowed $17,295.04).
Does Medicare cover C1826?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C1826 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C18 codes
- C1813 — Prosthesis, penile, inflatable
- C1814 — Retinal tamponade device, silicone oil
- C1815 — Prosthesis, urinary sphincter (implantable)
- C1816 — Receiver and/or transmitter, neurostimulator (implantable)
- C1817 — Septal defect implant system, intracardiac
- C1818 — Integrated keratoprosthesis
- C1819 — Surgical tissue localization and excision device (implantable)
- C1820 — Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), with rechargeable battery and charging system
- C1821 — Interspinous process distraction device (implantable)
- C1822 — Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), high frequency, with rechargeable battery and charging system
- C1823 — Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), non-rechargeable, with transvenous sensing and stimulation leads
- C1824 — Generator, cardiac contractility modulation (implantable)
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 C1826
- Watch C1826 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C1826
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.