C2638 HCPCS code: Brachytherapy source, stranded, iodine-125, per source
C2638 is the HCPCS Level II code for brachytherapy source, stranded, iodine-125, per source. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $32.46 per service for C2638 across 10,046 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 150 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Medicare volume fell 42% from 2022 to 2024 (17,352 to 10,046 services). In 2024, about 12 clinicians billed Medicare for C2638 for 119 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 | I4B |
| Added | 2007-07-01 |
| Last action effective | 2007-07-01 |
Who bills C2638 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 12 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 119 |
| States with claims | 3 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for C2638, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 17,352 | 219 | $37.26 | $29.72 |
| 2023 | 14,449 | 184 | $36.68 | $29.21 |
| 2024 | 10,046 | 119 | $40.73 | $32.46 |
States with the most C2638 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 4,578 | $32.30 |
| Florida | 2,459 | $32.38 |
| Ohio | 1,704 | $32.76 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 150 | Clinical: Data |
| practitioner claims | 150 | Clinical: Data |
What changed for C2638
- 2007-07-01: C2638 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 C2638?
C2638 is the HCPCS Level II code for brachytherapy source, stranded, iodine-125, per source. Short descriptor: "Brachytx, stranded, i-125".
How much does Medicare pay for C2638?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $32.46 per service (average allowed $40.73).
Does Medicare cover C2638?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
How many units of C2638 can be billed per day?
150 on outpatient hospital claims; 150 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related C26 codes
- C2613 — Lung biopsy plug with delivery system
- C2614 — Probe, percutaneous lumbar discectomy
- C2615 — Sealant, pulmonary, liquid
- C2616 — Brachytherapy source, non-stranded, yttrium-90, per source
- C2617 — Stent, non-coronary, temporary, without delivery system
- C2618 — Probe/needle, cryoablation
- C2619 — Pacemaker, dual chamber, non rate-responsive (implantable)
- C2620 — Pacemaker, single chamber, non rate-responsive (implantable)
- C2621 — Pacemaker, other than single or dual chamber (implantable)
- C2622 — Prosthesis, penile, non-inflatable
- C2623 — Catheter, transluminal angioplasty, drug-coated, non-laser
- C2624 — Implantable wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor with delivery catheter, including all system components
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under C2638
- Watch C2638 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for C2638
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.